Addressing First Responder PTSD Amid Colonie Fatal Fire
A Traumatic Experience for Firefighters
A recent fatal fire in Colonie, New York, has left a lasting impact on the community and first responders. The devastating incident, which resulted in the loss of three lives, has re-ignited the conversation around the mental health of first responders.
The Trauma of Hoarding Conditions
Colonie’s fire chief, Jeff Kayser, spoke about the trauma his firefighters endured. "People carry things differently, and they’re volunteers," he said. The hoarding conditions inside the home prevented firefighters from rescuing the victims, leaving them with a sense of helplessness and guilt.
The Impact on First Responders
Kayser continued, "As much as I feel bad for the family, I have to be concerned about the volunteer firefighters. They have to go home to their families and live with this as well." John D’Alessandro of FASNY shared similar concerns, stating, "First responders tend to have alpha personalities. It is inherent in that personality that we don’t like to talk to people about these terrible things."
The Effects of Trauma on the Brain
Niskayuna Psychologist and Psychoanalyst Andrew Berry, who specializes in first responder PTSD, explained that repeated exposure to trauma changes the brain chemistry, especially for firefighters. "The screams that these guys hear, and these gals hear…I don’t know how much this will get used so I’ll just speak from the heart… smells including burning hair and burning flesh all of that sticks with you forever," he said.
Helping First Responders
Berry emphasized the importance of providing therapy programs and a willingness to accept therapy. He also stressed that having PTSD doesn’t mean a career is over. "The more you can get these guys talking about it the more you’re actually going to extend the shelf life of your best officers," he said.
A Message of Hope and Support
Berry had a heartfelt message for first responders who think they may be experiencing PTSD: "You’re not weak. You sir or ma’am are acting perfectly normally to an unbelievably abnormal set of circumstances, and you’re just in pain. Who wouldn’t be?"
Challenges in Recruitment and Retention
D’Alessandro added that in his experience, the fear of experiencing trauma hasn’t hurt recruitment but has hurt retention. The mental health of first responders is a crucial aspect of ensuring their well-being and the well-being of their communities.
Conclusion
The recent fatal fire in Colonie has brought attention to the importance of addressing first responder PTSD. By providing support and resources, we can help these brave individuals overcome the trauma they have experienced and continue to serve their communities with pride.
FAQs
- What can be done to help first responders with PTSD?
- Provide therapy programs and a willingness to accept therapy.
- Does having PTSD mean a career is over?
- No, it doesn’t mean a career is over. It’s possible to continue serving with proper support and resources.
- What’s the impact of trauma on first responders?
- Repeated exposure to trauma changes the brain chemistry, leading to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- How can first responders overcome PTSD?
- By talking about their experiences and seeking support, first responders can overcome PTSD and continue to serve their communities.
