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Posted by: Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer December 31, 2013 1 Comment

5. Why are We Entering Burning Structures with Too Few Firefighters?

Battalion Chief (Ret.) Robert Avsec

“So why are we seeing and hearing more about fire departments making interior fire attack with one or two people? This weekend I had two experienced (and thankfully alive) firefighters tell me that “going lone ranger” on a structure fire was something they’ve “had to do”…repeatedly. The spouse of one of those firefighters–a firefighter in her own right–said, “It took me a long time to accept that he [her husband and father to their child] had to do that, that it was part of the job.”

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About Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer

Battalion Chief (Ret.) Robert Avsec served with the men and women of the Chesterfield County (VA) Fire and EMS Department for 26 years. He’s now using his acquired knowledge, skills, and experiences serving as the Operations Chief for the Fire Service Psychology Association. He's also the a freelance writer and is the “blogger in chief” for this blog. Chief Avsec makes his home in Charleston, WV. Contact him via e-mail, rpa1157@gmail.com.

The Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) membership includes fire service leaders, psychologists, and masters-level mental health clinicians (e.g., LCSW, LPC, MFT) who are committed to "building a bridge between professional psychology and the fire service.
Two primary elements of that "bridge" are (1) developing Culturally Competent Clinicians and (2) developing a true understanding of the 5 domains of psychology (Assessments, Intervention, Industrial/Organizational, Operations, and Consultation) and what how they can improve the mental and behavioral health of firefighters and EMS personnel.
It’s essential to practice self-care and check in with yourself regularly. Be aware of how you’re feeling, especially after difficult shifts. Don’t let symptoms of trauma or stress reach a dangerous level. Visit the FSPA website, www.firepsychology.org for more information, including how you can join the effort to "build the bridge!"