More firefighters accessing mental health help in the face of traumatic jobs
Friday, 23 November 2018
The increase in distressing work firefighters face has taken a toll with a spike in the numbers of Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) staff using mental health support networks.
FENZ firefighters face car crashes, cardiac arrests and even suicides in their day-to-day work.
Figures released under the Official Information Act show in the year to 30 September, 72 firefighters, volunteers, and their families in Northland and Auckland accessed counselling services, compared to 10 people in 2012 .
FENZ said there were similar numbers of firefighters accessing help throughout the country, but higher in the South Island.
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A spokesperson said that was likely because of the Kaikoura and Christchurch earthquakes, and increased awareness and access to services.
Greenhithe Fire Station chief fire officer Isabelle Lardeux-Gilloux said issues can build up over time.
'If you keep pouring water into the jug it will eventually overflow,' Lardeux-Gilloux said.
'There's still a lot of stigma [about talking about feelings], like, 'What are you? A p….?' Or you don't want to bother people with your problems. You need to be tough, that's part of the deal, but you don't have to be like that.'
New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union national secretary Derek Best said the increase was a 'complex and concerning issue' that had been discussed between the union and with FENZ management on several occasions.
He believed the increase was twofold. Members were more aware of the services and getting assistance, but it was also due to the changing nature of the role- which included attending medical responses and suicides.
'The job of a firefighter is becoming less and less about fire and is now very much a broad-bases emergency response role.'
An Auckland firefighter, who wished to remain anonymous, used support services after finding some jobs distressing.
She had attended several medical calls, including cardiac arrests, in her own street - one across the road from her home.
She knew the people involved and attending the incidents took a toll.
FENZ, office of the chief executive, director Bella Sutherland was pleased the figures were increasing - it showed personnel and families were accessing free support available.
'We know this support helps out people who respond to critical incidents recover better.'
FENZ Health and Wellbeing leader Alison Barnes said there was an expected increase of personnel using support services after the establishment of Fire and Emergency New Zealand encapsulated rural firefighters and rural volunteers.
WHERE TO GET HELP
Lifeline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 354
Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757
Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116
Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz
0800 WHATSUP children's helpline - phone 0800 9428 787 between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz.
Kidsline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 754. This service is for children aged 5 to 18. Those who ring between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy. These are specially trained teenage telephone counsellors.
Your local Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 787 797. You can also text 8691 for free.
For further information, contact the Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service (09 623 4812).