Peers, families and friends can support firefighters following a critical incident

by Nancy L. Moore, LISW-S, LCSW, CPCC, Director of Program AFM

Firefighters are exposed to sights, smells and experiences that others can hardly imagine. AFM is developing a firefighter mental health system of care that can be used to support firefighters around the world. Here is some information about critical incidents and ways that firefighters and their family/friends can help.

What Is A Critical Incident?    

A critical incident is often referred to as a crisis event.  Any event which has a stressful impact which overwhelms the normal coping skills of either an individual or a group of individuals may be considered a critical incident.  Critical incidents are typically sudden, powerful events which are outside the normal range of ordinary human experiences.  Unusual events can cause a strong emotional effect even on well-trained professionals and may impact the ability to function. 

Reactions to a stressful event may last a few days, weeks or months and occasionally longer depending on the severity of the traumatic event. With understanding and the support of loved ones, the stress reactions usually pass more quickly.  

Informational Facts: 

• Critical incident stress affects nearly all helping professionals. 

• A stress response is normal.

• No one is immune from the impact of critical incident stress regardless of past experiences or years of service.  Critical incident stress may occur at any time during their career. 

• Your loved one may experience a variety of thoughts and reactions OR they may experience numbness or absence of any response. 

• You may not understand what your loved one is going through, but offer your love, support and acceptance. 

• Don’t be afraid to ask what you can do that they would consider helpful. 

• Accept the fact that life will go on; theirs, yours, your children, and others around you. 

• Attempt to return to a normal routine as soon as possible. 

• Avoid entering into major decisions following a critical incident.  Your loved one’s ability to process information, problem-solve, and make decisions may be hampered at this time. 

What is Helpful.:

• Talking is GOOD medicine.  LISTENING is key.

• Encourage regular meals and plenty of rest. 

• Allow private time. 

• Exercise or take a walk together.

• Don’t take their anger and frustration personally. 

• Encourage, but do not pressure your loved one to talk about their experience. 

• Offer expressions of support and that you are sorry such an event occurred and you want to understand. 

• Reassure them they are safe. 

• Help with everyday tasks (cleaning, cooking, household)

Avoid:

• Critiquing, probing or attempting to fix the problem 

• Statements such as:

  • “It could have been worse.” 

  • “It’s fate.” 

  • “They asked for it.” 

  • “It’s God’s will.” 

  • “Quit if it bothers you that much!” 

Common Reactions and Symptoms of Concern 

Critical incidents trigger stress symptoms.  Stress symptoms usually occur in five different categories. There is greater potential for lasting harm the longer these symptoms persist.   Some examples include:

Cognitive/ Thinking

Poor Concentration

Difficulties with Calculations

Poor Attention Span    

Difficulty Making Decisions

Slowed Problem Solving   

Memory Problems

Emotional/ Feeling

Guilt  

Feeling Lost / Overwhelmed

Anger

Depression / Grief

Loss of Emotional Control

Physical/Body

Muscle Tremors

Chest Pains

Gastrointestinal Distress

Difficulty Breathing

Headaches

Elevated Blood Pressure 

Behavioral/Actions

Excessive Silence     

Sleep Disturbances

Extreme Behavioral Change   

Withdrawal from Contact 

Change In Work Habits

Changes in Eating Habits

Spiritual/ Relationship with God

Changes in Religious Involvement

Sense Of Isolation From God

Questioning Basic Beliefs

Loss Of Meaning Or Purpose  

Faith Practices Seem Empty

Withdrawal From Place Of Worship  

Anger At God 

Anger at Clergy

Spiritual Care

1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

Psalm 18:6-35

6In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears... 16He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters... 32It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure... 35You make Your saving help my shield, and Your right hand sustains me; Your help has made me great.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Colossians 4:6 

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Remember: 

• Suffering from the effects of critical incident stress is individual and completely normal. 

• Your loved one is probably not the only one that is experiencing critical incident related stress.  They are probably sharing some of their thoughts and reactions. 

• The thoughts and reactions will normally subside and disappear in time.  

• All phases of our lives overlap and influence each other: personal, professional, family, financial, spiritual, etc. 

• The impact of critical incident stress can be intensified by our own personal perspective and the status of family,  profession, financial, etc. 

• If the signs of stress that your loved one is experiencing do not begin to subside within a few weeks OR if they intensify, consider seeking further assistance through a counselor, chaplain or pastor