Addressing the distinct challenges that first responders face is the first step of many to improving their well-being. This demographic, inclusive of military personnel, law enforcement, and firefighters/EMS face unparalleled physical and mental demands in high-stress environments. Wellness interventions play a pivotal role in bolstering the health and performance of these professionals. However, we must also understand risks that are involved in our professions. Countless studies show first responders face higher risk for developing chronic illnesses.
We look to discuss some common illnesses first responders face, and dive into tailored strategies designed to optimize the well-being of tactical individuals, exploring both physical and mental health interventions to support their performance and operational effectiveness.
Common Chronic Illnesses and Diseases
Heart Disease among first responders is a prevalent concern due to the high-stress nature of their job, often leading to hypertension and other cardiovascular issues. The constant pressure, irregular schedules, and exposure to traumatic events can significantly and negatively impact their heart health.
Going from a resting state to working above 90% capacity can increase the odds of a heart attack. Personal choices regarding our diet, sleep, and physical inactivity also contribute to an increased risk.
Cancer is also a considerable risk, stemming from exposure to various toxins, chemicals, and carcinogens at emergency sites. The heightened exposure increases their vulnerability to different types of cancer, making it a significant occupational hazard.
Diagnosis of various types of cancer is upwards of 2x more common in the fire service than the general population. Simple causes include poor PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and post-incident gear cleaning, diesel exhaust from trucks, and smoke inhalation during overhaul when SCBAs aren’t worn. Common cancers include systemic, respiratory, nervous, endocrinal and gastrointestinal.
Obesity is another prevalent issue, influenced by irregular eating habits, stress-related eating, and disrupted sleep patterns among first responders. It even has an effect on recruits failing their physicals or their performance once on the job. Obesity has been shown to increase sick time, risk of injury, and higher chances of developing many diseases later on (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease).
Respiratory Diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common due to exposure to smoke, dust, and hazardous substances at emergency scenes. The prolonged inhalation and long-term exposure to these agents can cause long-term effects and impact quality of life.
Mental Illnesses such as PTSD can result from constant exposure to trauma, leading to anxiety, depression, and emotional instability among first responders, affecting their overall well-being and quality of life. Being away from family, lacking a positive support system, poor sleep, and long deployments also add to the development of some mental illnesses.
Early assessment and management of mild depression, anxiety, and stress among first responders is crucial in stopping progression into moderate and severe anxiety and mood disorders. The numbers can be scary, showing that 80% of first responders experience traumatic incidents during their career, and 1 in 3 develop or experience PTSD at some point.
Every job, emergency service or not, comes with unique obstacles and challenges in terms of wellness management. Knowing your occupation and the inherent risks and demands that the space holds, is important to staying on top of your health and seeking help when needed. While there is a growing popularity in wellness interventions for first responders, there remains a substantial need for further efforts to effectively address the ongoing challenges they continue to encounter.
Wellness Interventions and How They Can Help
Awareness Programs play a crucial role in wellness interventions for first responders, by highlighting and prioritizing the importance of mental and physical health. These programs raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of various health issues, encouraging early detection and proactive measures. Simply by creating monthly awareness campaigns or informal presentations, it can start to shine light on the issues faced by many in these high risk professions.
Being able to track behaviour and changes associated with these campaigns, will hopefully help motivate the personnel to seek early intervention. Ongoing conversation with your team about speaking up if something is bothering them, and prioritizing making your workspace a safe space will help with camaraderie and trust, leading to increased sharing and overall wellness.
Educational Sessions offer valuable information on stress management techniques, nutrition, and coping strategies, providing practical tools to handle the pressures of their job effectively. Seek out community resources that can assist in delivering these sessions, or provide resources such as posters and pamphlets in shared spaces for ease of access.
Support services, including peer support groups and counselling, create a safe space for first responders to discuss their challenges, share experiences, and seek guidance, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a supportive community. Support services can serve many benefits including;
Reduce the chances of burnout
Normalize the help-seeking behaviour needed to improve mental health
Improve job performance
Improve emotional well-being
Be Active, encouraging first responders to get active through exercise programs tailored to their schedules not only improves physical fitness but also helps alleviate stress and boosts mental well-being, serving as a powerful preventive measure against chronic conditions. The article on the tactical athlete gives a great overview of the demands we face in our professions, and outlines the basic principles of fitness to help us be active.
Other benefits that come from being physically active are improved fitness levels which are crucial for performing physically demanding aspects of their jobs like carrying equipment, rescues, and lifting objects.
Enhanced cardiovascular health can reduce the risk of many heart diseases like heart attacks and strokes which are major concerns for first responders due to the nature of their work.
Improved cognitive function and mental well-being. Exercise can have positive effects on mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety from experiencing trauma, stress, and high levels of emotion. Enhanced cognitive function is also another major benefit of exercise. Improved cognitive function, memory, concentration, and decision-making skills greatly benefit first responders who must remain sharp to make critical decisions over long periods in high-pressure situations.
Work/Life Balance is essential for their well-being and may contribute to job satisfaction and overall health. Finding a proper balance and meaningful engagement outside of work allows for both physical and mental recovery necessary for high-stress professions.
Finding work/life balance allows for;
Reduced burnout
Improved mental health
Stronger relationships both at work and in your personal life
Improved physical and mental health
Enhanced performance and focus
Being able to live in the moment, being there for your family, and the crew you work with
In the pursuit of optimizing health and performance for the tactical population, the implementation of comprehensive wellness interventions stands as a beacon of support.
Through awareness programs, educational sessions, support services, and encouraging physical activity, these initiatives aim not only to mitigate the inherent risks but also to empower first responders and tactical professionals with the tools needed to safeguard their well-being.
By prioritizing mental and physical health, these interventions not only enhance individual resilience but also foster a stronger, more resilient work environment. As we acknowledge the unique challenges faced by first responders, it becomes increasingly evident that investing in both physical and mental wellness isn’t just a necessity—it's a fundamental pillar for sustaining long-term health and job satisfaction and bolsters the commitment to protecting and serving their communities.
With these interventions, we strengthen their ability to navigate adversity, optimize their performance, and ensure a healthier tactical population for generations to come.
"The well-being of our first responders is the cornerstone of a resilient society, for in their health lies the strength to face any challenge with courage and compassion."
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Feeling burnt out or experiencing suicidal thoughts can be overwhelming and isolating, but it's essential to remember that help and support are available. Reach out to someone you trust, whether it's a friend, family member, coworker, or mental health professional. Opening up about your struggles, no matter how difficult it may seem, can be the first step towards healing and recovery. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to help you through this challenging time. For immediate Crisis Support: Text WELLNESS to 741741, call 1-888-768-2488 or visit https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-ca/service/connect.
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