Today on Firehouse: Episode 4 – Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 for Firefighters
Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews hosts a panel to explore the mental stress on firefighters during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss what needs to be done in the future.
Guests include Jeff Dill, executive director of the Firefighter Behavorial Health Alliance (FBHA); Ryan Gallik from The Mental Hygiene Project; and Covington, GA, Fire Department Chief Jeremy Holmes and Capt. Jeremy Mathis.
Mathis shares what happened after his crew came in contact with a COVID-19 patient, including the need to quarantine. Find out what the crew went through and what Mathis and Chief Holmes learned from the need to quarantine.
Dill talks about the short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 on fire and EMS crews, including how stress, depression and PTSD can impact their lives at home and at the station. Gallik weighs in on the need for first responders to stay resilient, and the panel shares some signs to look out for with your colleagues, your family and yourself.
FHBA resources discussed in podcast: PTSD Questions - Suicide Screening Questions - Suicide Warning Signs - Peer Support Team Guidelines - FD Chaplain Progam SOG - Leaves of Absence Policy - Fallen Firefighter Notification Policy - Firefighter Behavioral Health Policy Health & Safety Policy
Related:
- Firefighter Behavorial Health Alliance
- The Mental Hygiene Project
- Full coverage of COVID-19 on Firehouse.com
- Find all of Firehouse.com's Podcasts
Listen to the podcast below:
Peter Matthews | Editor-in-Chief/Conference Director
Peter Matthews is the conference director and editor-in-chief of Firehouse. He has worked at Firehouse since 1999, serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, NY, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, NY, and Laurel, MD, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood, NY. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department.
