Firefighters and first responders are heralded for their courage and unwavering commitment to protecting the public from disasters. However, their exposure to tragedies can take a toll on their mental health and emotional well-being. Without proper resources, these experiences can lead to post-traumatic stress and other behavioral health issues, with long-term impacts.

Recognizing this need, the California Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA) has been actively building a robust behavioral health strategy to support firefighters and first responders. The CFCA Foundation, led by veteran fire leaders who understand the unique challenges of the job, is dedicated to providing behavioral health interventions, funding, and vetted resources. These leaders have firsthand experience with the stresses and tragedies faced by emergency response personnel and are committed to educating them and their families on issues like PTSD, anxiety, addiction, depression, and suicide.

In partnership with the California Professional Firefighters, Cal-OES, and the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee, the CFCA has worked since 2016 to develop and implement behavioral health principles and practices for prevention, intervention, and post-crisis support. This initiative includes awareness campaigns, training, legislative action, and a peer support network.

A wide range of behavioral health resources are readily available, linking firefighters and first responders directly to each organization's webpage. FIRESCOPE, where CFCA serves as a Board Member, is developing training and qualification standards, organizational guidelines, and an ordering process to integrate behavioral health components into the Incident Command System, ensuring a cohesive approach across California's fire service.

Suicide Prevention

• National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Behavioral health & suicide awareness stand down
• Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance
• IAFF suicide prevention
• CDC: Risk and protective factors for suicide
• Firefighter Suicide: Risk Factors & Warning Signs
  

Screening Tools

• Here to Help screening self-tests
• FFBHA suicide questionnaire
• Mental Health America screening tools
  

For Families

• First Responder Support Network
• Helping children cope
• Supporting mental health during the pandemic

Mental & Behavioral Health and Resiliency

• Breaking the stigma
• IAFF Recovery Center
• Healing Our Own
• Traumatic incident Stress
• OSHA emergency management preparedness