First responders may witness many difficult things in their daily lives. These things can sometimes lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. One of the most important ways to combat PTSD is communication. First responders who are dealing with PTSD may not want to seem like a burden on their colleagues, so they may try to bury their feelings and close themselves off. To prevent your fellow first responders from suffering in silence, create an atmosphere of open communication in your workplace. AFBA has listed five ways you can accomplish this below:
1. Announce an open-door policy
Call a meeting in your station house or department to let your colleagues know that you are always available to talk if they need to. You could also pair your co-workers up with a communication partner so that everyone knows there is someone who will look out for them. You might also consider scheduling weekly one-on-one meetings with your co-workers to check in with them and encourage open communication.
2. Establish a respectful environment
Joking and tom-foolery are an inevitable part of working with first responders. This is a healthy way of coping with the stresses of the jobs. However, make sure your co-workers understand the difference between jokes and bullying. Hosting a few sessions on workplace respect is always a good idea if you have the time.
3. Create a "safe zone"
Many first responders do not discuss their emotional stress for fear of being judged by their peers. If you create a space where your colleagues can approach you with their problems in complete confidentiality and without fear of judgment, they may be more likely to reach out in times of need. A safe zone will also discourage other first responders from bottling things up.
4. Respond instead of reacting
An important step in establishing a good line of communication is to respond instead of reacting. When someone comes to you with a problem or to let off some emotional steam, it is best to listen in silence. Keep emotion and reaction off your face if possible. When the employee is finished, choose your response carefully but keep it objective.
5. Be knowledgeable
Your fellow first responders are willing to trust you with their lives in the field. They should be able to do the same when it comes to emotional support. By remaining knowledgeable on the latest PTSD treatment information and keeping up-to-date on the resources available for first responders mental health support, you may be able to pass the information along to a colleague who really needs it.
PTSD and other work related stresses are not uncommon in first responders. Firefighters, police officers and emergency medical service workers have difficult jobs and may experience challenging incidents. Creating a workplace where they feel comfortable discussing these troubles could help alleviate some of the stress and isolation fellow first responders may be going through. By following AFBA's advice above, you may make your station house or department a place of open communication.