Firefighters are regularly exposed to critical incidents such as conflict, violence, injury, death. These traumatic events can place individuals at risk of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) or other mental illnesses.
Behavioural Health
Vancouver Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
Developers: Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 18
Description: A website that provides resources on dealing with critical incidents and stress.
View website
Resilient Minds
Developers: Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services and the Canadian Mental Health Association – Vancouver-Fraser Branch
Description: A program that engages and informs firefighters in four crucial areas relevant to their work: trauma, psychological distress, trauma-informed responses and building resiliency.
Learn more about program
IAFF Behavioral Health Program
Developers: The International Association of Fire Fighters
Description: This program offers behavioural health resources such as a Peer Support Training Program and an Online Behavioural Health Awareness Course.
Learn more about the program.
Retired Firefighters Wellness Network
Description: An online community dedicated to mental health awareness for retired firefighters dealing with mental health issues such as depression, sleep disorder, substance abuse, and Post Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI).
Visit the website
Sweat it out: The best way to reduce stress buildup
Author: Nick Halmasy
Published: 2018
Description: An article on how exercise can benefit firefighters’ mental health by reducing their stress.
Read article
Risks Beyond the Fire Ground: Fitness, Nutrition, Substance Use & Sleep
Presenter: Dr. Sara Jahnke (Center for Fire, Rescue and EMS Health Research)
Published: 2018
Description: A 50-minute video on the measures that firefighters can take to improve their physical and mental health.
IAFF Center of Excellence Webinar – Access, Expectations and Treatment
Developers: The International Association of Fire Fighters
Published: 2017
Description: This 1-hour webinar addresses questions on the access, expectations, and treatment offered at the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery to firefighters who are affected by addiction or mental disorders such as PTSD.
Anonymous Online Mental Health Screening Tools
Developers: Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment
Published: 2017
Description: Screening tools for symptoms of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, or alcohol use. Test scores can be compared to other first responders or the general population.
View tools
Under the Helmet – Performing an Internal Size-up: A Proactive Approach to Ensuring Mental Wellness
Developers: International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS)
Published: 2017
Description: This report provides information on emotional and behavioural health issues in the fire services and offers resources for supporting firefighters’ mental health.
Read report.
Firefighter Behavioural Health: Warning Signs to Know
Developers: The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
Published: 2014
Description: A 3-minute video on the warning signs for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, suicidal behaviour, substance abuse, and anxiety.
Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR)
Developers: The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada
Description: A program (8-hour leadership course; 4-hour primary course) designed to reduce the stigma of mental illness and promote mental health and resiliency in the fire service.
Learn more about program.
Best Practices For Mental Health in the Fire Service
Developers: British Columbia Provincial Firefighters Association (BCPFFA)
Description: A list of recommendations and best practices formulated to address mental health issues in firefighters.
Read recommendations.
Working Towards Achieving Mental Health Wellness for Fire Fighters
Developers: British Columbia Provincial Firefighters Association (BCPFFA)
Description: An outline of how to create a mental health wellness program for firefighters.
Learn more.
Mental Health for First Responders – Webinar Series
Developers: Mental Health Commission of Canada
Description: Free webinars on mental health tools and resources for first responders.
Learn more about webinars.
Confronting Behavioral Health Issues in the Firehouse
Authors: Fire Rescue Magazine
Published: 2013
Description: An article about how to handle emotional and behavioural problems exhibited by firefighters.
Read article.
BCPFFA Mental Health Resource
Developers: British Columbia Provincial Firefighters Association
Description: A webpage that provides information and resources on the current best practices (identified by a Task Force) that address: Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Education, Mental Health Injury Awareness, WorkSafe BC (WSBC), Family Support and Spirituality.
View resources
BC First Responders’ Mental Health
Developers: B.C. First Responders Mental Health Committee (chaired by WorkSafeBC)
Description: A website that provides information and resources that support first responders’ mental health.
View website
Mental Toughness for First Responders
Developers: Nick Halmasy
Published: 2017
Description: A 4-part podcast series on building mental toughness.
Listen to podcasts
After the Call
Developers: Nick Halmasy
Description: A website that offers free tools to help develop mental wellness in first responders.
View website
Firefighters and Addiction: The Value of Peer Support
Authors: Mark W Lamplugh, Jr (Fire Engineering Magazine)
Published: 2017
Description: An article on how peer support programs can assist firefighters dealing with addiction.
Read article
Mental Health Risks for Firefighters
Developers: CBC Yukon
Published: 2015
Description: An 8-minute podcast by Jeff Dill, founder of Firefighter Behavioural Alliance on the importance of addressing mental health within fire departments.
Listen to podcast
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD)
Bill 163 – Impact
Authors: The Fire Fighters’ Association of Ontario’s Healthy and Safety Committee
Description: A summary of how Bill 163 has changed the Ontario Workplace Safety & Insurance Act and the Ministry of Labour Act.
Read summary
Wounded Warrior Canada Fire Fighter Resiliency Program
Speakers: Drs. David Kuhl & Duncan Shields (University of British Columbia, Medicine)
Published: 2018
Description: A 1-hour video from the 2018 Western Educational Conference. Topics covered include: post-trauma stress reaction vs. stoic ideal; resiliency as one of the mental health tools; the promising results from the Fire Fighters Resiliency Program co-developed with firefighters.
Addressing PTSD Through a Peer Support Program
Developers: The International Association of Fire Fighters
Published: 2017
Description: A 1h 45m video explaining the advantages of using peer support programs for PTSD.
Reducing the Stigma of Psychiatric Medications
Developers: The Firefighters Support Foundation
Published: 2017
Description: In this 45-minute video, Dr. Nan Herron (a psychiatrist specializing in PTSD in first responders) answers questions such as: What are psychiatric medications? How do they work? Will I get dependent on them? Won’t I be a junkie if I take them? Can I continue to work while taking them? Will my agency find out I’m on them?
View video.
Burnout, Complex PTSD, and Resiliency
Authors: Fire Rescue Magazine (Karen Jackson, Psychologist)
Published: 2017
Description: An article that describes the differences between burnout, PTSD and Complex PTSD. A mindfulness approach can help build resiliency in firefighters.
Read article.
But, I’m Not Crazy!
Authors: Fire Rescue Magazine (Karen Bradley, M.D.)
Published: 2017
Description: An article about PTSD in the fire service, PTSD (signs and symptoms; how the body and brain can cause symptoms); and how to provide psychological aid after trauma.
Read article.
Rates of PTSD in Firefighters
Authors: Matthew Tull (Psychologist)
Published: 2017
Description: An article that describes the rates and risk factors for PTSD in firefighters.
Read article.
Stress, the Brain & Mental Health Hygiene
Developers: Mental Health Commission of Canada
Published: 2017
Description: A 1h 16m webinar by Dr. Bill Howatt (Chief Research & Development Officer, Workforce Productivity, Morneau Shepell) about the different types of stress, how the brain responds, and ways to maintain positive mental health.
View webinar.
Overcoming Post-Traumatic Stress
Developers: International Association of Fire Fighters
Published: 2016
Description: A 34-minute video where the IAFF President and members discuss PTSD and their own struggles with mental health
Psychologically Healthy Workplaces, Trauma, and Resilience
Developers: Mental Health Commission of Canada
Published: 2016
Description: A 1h 18m webinar by Dr. Jeff Morley about Canada’s National Standard for Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace, primary trauma, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, and organizational stress.
View webinar.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Fire Service
Developers: International Association of Fire Fighters
Published: 2015
Description: A 2-hour video on causes and signs/symptoms of PTSD and best practices for addressing it within your local.
Bringing PTSD Out of the Shadows
Developers: Fire Fighter Quarterly (The International Association of Fire Fighters)
Published: 2015
Description: An article addressing PTSD in the fire service (page 12).
Read article.
Beyond the Call
Developers: London Professional Firefighters Association
Published: 2015
Description: A 20-minute video documentary on PTSD.
PTSD Resource Toolkit
Developers: #FirstRespondersFirst
Description: “This website offers resources and services for the First Responder community to understand the various steps of a PTSD program from managing a crisis through to implementing best practices into an existing program.”
View website.
Let’s Talk PTSD
Developers: United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg
Description: A series of videos of firefighters sharing their stories of living with PTSD.
View Videos.
Homewood Health Clinic Mississauga
Developers: Homewood Health
Description: A new outpatient clinic in Mississauga, Ontario that offers personalized treatments to first responders struggling with psychological trauma injuries.
Learn more about the clinic.
BCPFFA Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Operational Guideline Template
Developers: British Columbia Provincial Firefighters Association (BCPFFA)
Description: A template on how to operationalize CISM for firefighters.
Learn more.
First Responder Trauma Prevention and Recovery Program
Developers: Simon Fraser University (in partnership with Tema Conter Memorial Trust)
Description: A part-time, online program designed to provide first responders with effective techniques for coping with trauma in the workplace.
Learn more about program.
Strategic Resilience for First Responders Certificate Program
Developers: Langara College
Description: A 10-month program that teaches first responders how to manage their nervous system to cope with trauma and PTSD.
Learn more about program.
Share the Load Program
Developers: The National Fire Volunteer Council
Description: A free support program that offers firefighters resources and information on behavioural health issues.
Learn more about the program.
Surviving Trauma & Building Resilience in the Workplace Conference
Developers: Badge of Life Canada (BOLC)
Description: Recorded presentations delivered at the BOLC Conference held on February 7, 2017.
View presentations.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Plans
Description: A searchable database for PTSD information and prevention plans that have been submitted by employers of first responders to the Ministry of Labour.
Read The City of Hamilton’s PTSD Prevention Plan
Search database.
Critical Incident Stress Information
Developers: Toronto Fire Service
Description: A webpage with detailed info on critical incident stress and ways to help those who are affected.
Read info.
Critical Incident Stress Education, Training and Resources
Developers: The Canadian Critical Incident Stress Foundation
Description: A website that provides resources and information to help emergency workers who have been exposed to traumatic events.
View website.
Free Firefighter Training: When A Child Dies on A Call
Developers: The Firefighters Support Foundation
Published: 2010
Description: This 20-minute program presented by psychologist Dr. Anne Bisek tackles the issues firefighters may face when a child dies on a call and ways firefighters can prepare for and cope with this tragedy.
View program.
Suicide Prevention & Awareness
Suicide Awareness Resources and Materials
Developers: International Association of Fire Fighters
Description: A division of the IAFF website that offers an education and awareness brochure on suicide; standard operating procedures after the loss of a firefighter to suicide.
View website.
Suicide Awareness and Prevention
Developers: Miami Dade Fire Rescue
Published: 2017
Description: Part 1 of the Hope Breaks the Chain campaign, this 9-minute video shares testimonials from firefighters who have dealt with suicide ideation.
Suicide in the Fire Service – The Ones Left Behind
Developers: Miami Dade Fire Rescue
Published: 2017
Description: Part 2 of the Hope Breaks the Chain campaign, this 9-minute video focus on the pain endured by “those left behind to pick up the pieces”.
Suicide Prevention & Awareness for First Responders
Developers: Mental Health Commission of Canada
Published: 2016
Description: In this free 70-minute webinar, Tom Walker, MSW, RSW, presents on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.
Watch webinar.
Firefighter mental health: Stop sucking it up
Developers: Fire Rescue 1 Magazine
Published: 2016
Description: An editorial about the dangers of the “suck it up, buttercup” mentality in the fire service.
Read editorial.
Special Report: Trouble in Mind
Authors: The National Fire Protection Association Magazine
Published: 2014
Description: A report on the difficulty for a emergency responders to seek help for mental health.
Read article.
Making Suicide Prevention Part of Total Wellness
Developers: Denver Fire Department
Published: 2014
Description: A 10-minute video on mental wellness training as part of suicide prevention.
Firefighters Coping with the Aftermath of Suicide
Developers: The Carson J Spencer Foundation
Published: 2013
Description: A 10-minute video on the different ways that firefighters are affected by suicide.
Firefighter Life Safety Initiative #13: Pscyhological Support
Developers: The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Description: A website that provides resources and information on PTSD and suicide.
View webpage.
First Responders Trauma Intervention and Suicide Prevention
Developers: Centre for Suicide Prevention
Description: A toolkit to help first responders deal with traumatic events experienced on the job.
Download toolkit.
Suicide Awareness: An Introduction for Crisis Responders
Developers: International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
Description: A 2-week, online introductory course on how to recognize and effectively intervene with suicidal individuals.
Learn more about course.
Suicide Awareness and Prevention
Developers: York Regional Police (with support from the Mental Health Commission of Canada)
Description: A 1-hour course to help first responders recognize and prevent suicide.
Learn more about course.
Suicide Awareness and Prevention for Supervisors
Developers: York Regional Police (with support from the Mental Health Commission of Canada)
Description: A 1-hour course to help supervisors in first responders services recognize and prevent suicide in workers.
Learn more about course.
Suicide Awareness
Developers: British Columbia Provincial Firefighters Association (BCPFFA)
Description: A handout on how to care for yourself and colleagues in the fire service.
Read handout.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Developers: Living Works
Description: A 2-day workshop on how to provide suicide first aid.
Learn more.
suicideTalk
Developers: Living Works
Description: A 90-minute session that encourages open discussion of suicide
Learn more.
safeTALK
Developers: Living Works
Description: A half-day training session on becoming alert to the dangers of suicide.
Learn more.
#IVEGOTYOURBACK911
Developers: #IVEGOTYOURBACK911
Description: A website about first responder mental health.
View website.
Suicide in the Fire and Emergency Services
Authors: National Volunteer Fire Council
Published: 2012
Description: A guide on suicide in U.S. first responders and how to change the culture, identify issues, and break the stigma.
Read guide.
