When the Smoke Clears: Episode 2

In the first segment of “When the Smoke Clears,” a video series focusing on mental health concerns of first responders, the expert panel discussed the status quo of mental health in the firehouse. In this second segment, the group explores whether real improvement has been made in welcoming open discussions about mental well-being. If a person is struggling, is there an open-door policy among leadership to talk about the challenges of the job and initiate the process of getting help? Do men and women in fire and EMS feel afraid to reach out today, or are those walls being broken down in this new era of being proactive and getting people the help they need before life-changing (and career-threatening) problems develop?

The series continues to focus on a real problem among first responders, although one that is showing signs of improvement. New leadership and peer support are driving true results in improving mental health in the firehouse. Enjoy this second segment of “When the Smoke Clears,” and commit to helping yourself and others through this challenging career in public safety.