Health and Wellness

Original Graphic by Robert Avsec. This picture depicts, IMHO, the different “nations” that make up the “fire service” in the U.S. The different “nations,” represented by the bold red and blue lines, are based upon my knowledge of the different “fire service cultures” that exist in those “nation.” By: Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer A fire service colleague, J. Gordon ...

The First Responder Behavioral Health Institute (FRBHI) is a pioneering organization dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of first responders. Established in 2022 by Joseph Brigandi, a retired fire captain/paramedic who became a licensed professional counselor and psychotherapistat the Counseling Center of Texas, FRBHI aims to provide education, training, and support to ensure the psychological well-being of first responders, be they law enforcement officers, firefighters, or EMS personnel. Today, Brigandi serves as the Clinical Program Director for FRBHI.

By: Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer You’re going to have a house built for you. What skilled professionals will you need to build your house? If the house of your dreams is a two-story Colonial-style with a full basement, the list probably looks like this: * Contractor to dig the foundation.* Mason lay the block for the foundation.*Framing carpenters to ...

From the battlefields of ancient Greece to modern war zones and fire grounds, society has been on an evolving journey, attempting to grasp the true nature of psychological wounds.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) created the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer to better understand cancer risk in the fire service. When you join the NFR for Cancer, you share information about your work history, health, and exposures that can pave the way for new health and safety measures. All U.S. firefighters – with or without cancer, active or retired, and any specialty - can join.

By: Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer Today’s Firefighters face unique and intense challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. The nature of their work exposes them to traumatic events, physical danger, and elevated levels of stress. Like many issues facing our society today, the effects of those stressors have been amplified by the increased influence of social media and ...

By: Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer I’m often asked why I continue to write and publish on this blog that I started in 2010. I, myself, sometimes wonder about the same thing because after fourteen years it sometimes becomes difficult to find fresh topics to expound upon. And then I get an email like this: Chief Avsec, I’m a Fire ...

By: Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer The “Nine Sisters” (Clockwise): International Assn. of Fire Chiefs; International Assn. of Fire Fighters; National Volunteer Fire Council; National Fallen Firefighters Foundation; International Society of Fire Service Instructors; National Fire Protection Assn.; Fire Department Safety Officers Assn.; International Assn. of Black Firefighters; and the National Assn. of Hispanic Firefighters. Firefighters face unique and intense ...

In the bustling world of firefighting and emergency services, there’s a long-lost sister—a quiet advocate working tirelessly behind the scenes. Her name? Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA). Dr. Kristen Wheldon, Psy.D is the President and Founder of FSPA, and has been championing her cause, but why haven’t the major fire service organizations rushed to embrace FSPA? Let’s explore this intriguing question.

Until we start gathering and analyzing the information that can be obtained by conducting a psychological autopsy for EVERY firefighter suicide, many will continue search for a solution to a problem that they don’t understand. Meanwhile, firefighters will continue to take their own lives in ever increasing numbers.