Do you know of a fire service leader–They can be of any rank– who’s working in their fire department or region to promote mental and behavioral health services for firefighters and EMS personnel? The Fire Service Leader of the Year Award presented annually at the FSPA’s Annual Conference If so, wouldn’t their name look good on this year’s award from ...
Read More »Tag Archives: fire psychology
How do we build a “House of Mental Health Wellness” for Firefighters and EMS Personnel?
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 ...
Read More »The fire service can change but will it regarding post-traumatic stress?
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.
Read More »Fire Service Psychology: Where are the major fire service organizations?
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.
Read More »The Role Industrial/Organizational Psychologists Should have in Fire and EMS Departments
Industrial/organizational psychologists specialize in understanding human behavior within the workplace. They apply psychological principles and research methods to improve various aspects of work environments, including performance, communication, job satisfaction, and safety [1]. Here’s why fire and EMS departments should consider integrating I/O psychologists into their teams.
Read More »The Mental Health Crusade in Firefighting
By: Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer WOW! I’m so excited to have been a guest of Jerry Lund for his podcast, Enduring the Badge. I had the opportunity to have a great conversation with Jerry regarding firefighter behavioral health and what it will take to “bridge the gap between professional psychology and the fire service.” As many of you know, ...
Read More »What’s in Your Fire Department’s Behavioral Health “Toolbox?”
Fire departments that are looking to provide an effective behavioral health program for their members would do well to model the approach that the fire service has taken with its tiered response to hazardous materials incidents. They would further serve the best interests of their firefighters by collaborating with mental health clinicians, preferably those at the Specialist Level, just as they would if developing their own hazardous materials response team.
Read More »Donate to Help Make the 6th Annual Conference of the Fire Service Psychology Association a Success!
You can help support the 6th Annual Conference of the Fire Service Psychological Association with your tax-deductible donation. Help support improving mental health services for firefighters!
Read More »Be a Part of the 6th Annual Fire Service Psychological Association Conference!
At the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) we're working to "bridge the gap between professional psychology and the fire service." What is that gap? Good question, and here's the answer.
Read More »Do firefighters write policies and procedures in your fire department?
Why haven't the IAFF and IAFC included professional psychologists who are trained and experienced in police and public safety psychology in developing mental health and wellness standards for the fire service?
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