Mental Illness in

Fire/EMS

Kelly Grayson is a critical care paramedic for Acadian Ambulance in

Louisiana. He has spent the past 22 years as a field paramedic, critical care transport paramedic, field supervisor and educator. The following

information and statistics are based on the notes from his class at the

Texas EMS conference, titled, “Saving your own life- True confessions of

a clinically depressed medic.”

Statistics:

In the United States, 22 people commit suicide each day. That number is just from public safety personnel.

Approximately 16-17% of fire service personnel suffer from PTSD, which is five times that of the general public.

Likelihood of divorce and substance abuse is two times greater.

Suicide is two to three times more likely than a LODD.

From 2008-2012, Chicago FD had 12 firefighters take their own lives. 7 of which were in an 18 month span.

In 2009, 149 soldiers were killed during combat in Iraq. 309 took their own lives.

These numbers are only from what’s been tracked. Since it’s sensitive information and voluntary, it is far under-reported.

Depression & PTSD

These two illnesses can vary in intensity.

Doesn’t always have to be the textbook, “hopeless & helpless.”

Depression Home Game

1. Are you tired all the time, and have little energy?

2. Putting off things such as time with friends or family with the excuse of, “I’ve

got too much to do,” (but you really didn’t when you look back).

3. Passing on hobbies or things you enjoy for the same reason above?

4. Kids are annoying?

If so..

You could be suffering from a

condition known as, “Low-T.”

Just kidding..

Did you answer yes to any of

those?

It doesn’t mean there’s a problem, but they’re a few good areas to

look at. If so, were you always that way?

One example: If 10 people called you, are you excited that those

people were thinking about you, or are you now put-out that you’ll

have to call them all back? Someone struggling with depression may

view it as a hassle (unless you just don’t like the people that called).

Patterns of depression can seem like apathy at home and with other

situations. How are your relationships with your friends/roommates?

With your spouse and/or children? How are you maintaining them?

Depression & PTSD

It’s not about what’s wrong with you, but about what happened to

you. It also doesn’t even have to be something that happened. There are many different stressors on and off the job.

It is important to remember that these two illnesses don’t symbolize a

lack of coping or support system. It can hit anyone at any time, and

it doesn’t matter how strong you are, or think you are. We’re all

human.

The bad stuff is ALWAYS a trigger..

Coping mechanisms have their limits..

Even if it doesn’t seem to bother you when you come across it, it

does. It’s just getting filed away for later.

Think of it as being an “emotional bank account.” Some people

have more money than others, but it’s always being taken out bit by

bit. What grabs someone today might not affect another until

tomorrow.

Sometimes, an event that happened 20 years ago might find the

smallest stimulus and come back to see you.

“It’s ok to get a little messed up

over stuff..”

..Like the firefighter you’re about to see.