Sometimes, we are asked to respond to a scene where our emergency services personnel have encountered a difficult and sometimes tragic call. We usually are called after the incident has cleared up and everyone is back in their quarters. Regardless, we will respond any time we are asked regardless of the circumstances. Our on-scene response of taking care of our responders as they work the call is guided by observing them under trying conditions.
It has been a major help for us to develop peer relationships with those we serve during training, meetings, social events, and other less stressful times to learn about them and their personalities, so we can gauge their reactions during emergency responses. Our Team members work to develop a technique of observing our emergency personnel, watching their facial expressions, body language, and any other sign of them having an adverse reaction during a response.
Recently, we responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident that involved a lengthy extrication of the victims. Many of the emergency personnel on scene were friends and close acquaintances. We were reminded of several things during this response. First, whether you are a recruit firefighter or one that has been around for fifty years, you can be “rattled” by the experience. Each of us reacts to a situation in a different way, at a different speed, and at a different time. Secondly, our previous knowledge of many of those on scene gave us an ability to watch their reactions and facial expressions to help determine their need. And lastly, we all get through it by looking out for each other. It doesn’t matter what badge you wear, what truck you rode in on, what your rank is, whether you are young, older, male or female, we get through bad times by looking out for one another.
All of you are contributing to the growth of the behavioral health programs in the Fire Service, EMS, 911 and Law Enforcement community. We are so far ahead of where we were ten years ago as we are blessed with many programs in our country.
Thank you to all of you for doing your part to take care of each other. We all are better for it.