MCRA Connections

 

Historically no one has wanted to talk about suicide, let alone suicide among first responders (the very group we expect to be there when others die by suicide).  Yet, if you look at the statistics there is undoubtedly a problem:

• Veterans - As of 2014, an average of 20 veterans per day ended their lives; totaling over 7,000 deaths. Unfortunately, these numbers have remained consistently high since 2014, and since some suicides are not reported as such, these numbers are probably an underestimate. (1)
• Firefighters - Firefighters report an alarmingly high frequency of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.  The career prevalence estimates of suicidal thoughts for firefighter are 46.8%, planning for suicide, 19.2%, and suicide attempts 15.5%.  These rates are much higher than the occurrence of these behaviors among the general population. (2)
• Corrections officers- A study in 1997 found that corrections officers have a suicide rate that is twice as high as that of police officers and the general population.  Accurate statistics about suicide and corrections officers are difficult to determine.  There is newer research that suggests that corrections officers are under tremendous stress and are unlikely to obtain mental health care.  (3)
• Law Enforcement - in 2017, 140 law enforcement officers died by suicide.  The incidence of suicide among those in law enforcement is greater than the number who were killed in the line of duty. (4)
• There are no current statistics on emergency service dispatcher death by suicide. Two recent studies indicate that dispatchers are at elevated risk for developing mental health difficulties and PTSD. (5)

The Michigan Crisis Response Association is concerned about suicide and mental health among first responders.  Our annual conference theme was:  "Responding to Crisis: Healthy Teams & Strong Members".  C.J. Caufield, keynote speaker for the conference and the Central Regional Director for the State of Mississippi Department of Health focused upon first responder suicide prevention in his keynote address.   He asserted that there is no magic fix to reduce the elevated incidence of suicide among first responders but there are things that we can do individually and within organizations to address the issue.

Key elements of suicide prevention include:

1. Educating ourselves, our organizations, and our teams about suicide and suicide prevention; members should know the warning signs and be able and willing to intervene with those at risk.
2. Reducing the stigma of having a mental health issue by normalizing the experience and never penalizing members for needing help.
3. Encouraging first responder organizations to develop educational and referral resources.
4. Changing aspects of the first responder culture that infer members should not have human reactions and need to “suck it up.”

There are many ways to educate yourself about mental health issues, suicide, and suicide prevention.  Many first responder organizations are tackling the issues in their trade websites and publications (see list below).  Additionally, ICISF provides two trainings on suicide:  Suicide Awareness: An Introduction for Crisis Responders and Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention. 

Other trainings, especially those called “gatekeeper” trainings, provide participants with insight into what may be helpful when dealing with someone who may be suicidal.  These trainings help people learn the signs of suicide and how to talk with and support people at risk for suicide.  ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is one such training.  ASIST is nationally recognized and proven to be effective in helping people feel more comfortable and respond more effectively to suicidal peers. (6)

Keep talking!  Check out the websites listed below for articles on first responder mental health:

• EMS1.com (EMS support)
• Badgeoflife.com (law enforcement support)
• The Journal of Emergency Dispatch – iaedjournal.org
• Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance: http://www.ffbha.org/
• Operation S.A.V.E. model (Signs of suicide, Asking about suicide, Validating feelings, Encouraging help and Expediting treatment) http://www.sprc.org/resources-programs/operation-save-va-suicide-prevention-gatekeeper-training
• Veterans Crisis Line https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

We would love to hear from you about your experiences in this area as well as resources (online or otherwise).  Please send comments to:  dawsa@ewashtenaw.org
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