Shakopee Fire Department Focuses On Wellness, Mental Health

Shakopee MN

24 June, 2021

7:22 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Shakopee: June 24, 2021 Firefighting is a tough job, and Shakopee firefighters regularly respond to traumatic scenes that can take an emotional toll on anyone. To better care for firefighters' overall health, the Shakopee Fire Department is teaming up with the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) to address the leading causes of firefighter fatalities – cardiac disease, cancer and emotional trauma – through education and support. Started in 2016, the statewide initiative is aimed at giving firefighters the tools, training and support they need to prioritize and protect their health. The program offers health and wellness training to firefighters across the state. Shakopee Fire Department takes precautions to educate its firefighters about the dangers of carcinogens and the importance of proper diet and exercise. However, emotional trauma can sometimes go unchecked and take a strain on firefighters. "We see a lot of things than can take an emotional toll on us and can lead to added stress," said Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Yttreness. Addressing firefighters' mental health is even more important today with the department shifting to a 24-hour model, Yttreness said. Shakopee firefighters are responding to more medical calls where they can encounter traumatic circumstances. After a call, instead of going home to decompress with their family, they now return to the station where they have time to stew on the call. "We do a lot of technical, physical training – rescues, climbing, lifting – but if we don't work on what's going on in our head, none of the other stuff matters," Yttreness said. Firefighters experience higher rates of mental health challenges than the general public. Firefighters are at an increased risk for depression and suicide, alcohol and drug abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder. In fact, according to MnFIRE, one in four firefighters experience PTSD symptoms during their career with 21 percent of firefighters reporting suicidal ideation. The training is intended to help firefighters identify their emotional state, as well as break down stigmas related to mental health. "Investing in our firefighters' health is critical because we are a team, a family, and one firefighter's struggle can have a trickle-down effect throughout the department," Yttreness said. Learn more about MnFIRE at mnfireinitiative.com. This story appeared in the Summer 2021 Hometown Messenger. This press release was produced by the City of Shakopee. The views expressed here are the author's own.