Helping Firefighters

Dr. Kathryn Sinden

Not only does post-traumatic stress impact the mental and physical health of firefighters, their families are also affected. Sinden and her research team are looking at the impact of this strategy and whether the CIRT team requires resources to support them as well.

Firefighters risk their lives nearly every time they strap on their personal protective equipment, but once the smoke has cleared, who assists these courageous men and women with their mental health?

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue has firefighters who serve on the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to help fellow firefighters involved in a critical incident while on the job.

Medical calls, fires, hazardous material calls, and motor vehicle collisions are all examples of critical incidents that firefighters contend with regularly.

Although the use of CIRTs is a common strategy in Canada, it’s unclear how effective it is for firefighters dealing with symptoms from a critical incident – symptoms that have been linked to post-traumatic stress.

Regan Bolduc is a firefighter who serves as co-chair of the CIRT team.

“I see how exposure to some of the most difficult situations in our community can really affect the mental health of our firefighters,” Regan says. “I’m hopeful this research will help me better understand what works and doesn’t work for our team.”

Dr. Kathryn Sinden believes she may be able to help. The assistant professor of Kinesiology at Lakehead University is working with Thunder Bay Fire Rescue and the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association to determine methods that will assist firefighters experiencing these symptoms.

Right now, many firefighters are dealing with post-traumatic stress, “whether they’re diagnosed or not,” says Dennis Brescacin, President of the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters, the union representing Thunder Bay Fire Rescue.

“It’s hard to come forward when you’ve experienced a traumatic event,” Dennis says. “Most deal with it internally.”

“I think the research Kathryn wants to do would definitely shed light on post-traumatic stress and help determine what we could do about it,” Dennis adds.

Regan, a firefighter for 11 years, says he feels “honoured” to help citizens during what is often the most difficult time of their life.

“At the end of the day, it feels good to be there for people when they need us. That is what the CIRT team is about, as well, being there for our brothers and sisters.”