1 in 5 fire fighters will struggle with behavioral health issues, including depression, at some point in their careers. Fire fighters are three times more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
How many firefighters are depressed?
Among the 112 firefighters in the sample, 89.2% (n=100) reported no depression, 10.8% (n=12) had some degree of depression (6.2% mild depression, 3.6% moderate depression, 1% severe depression), 59% (n=64) were sleep deprived (PSQI score =6.02±3.08, ESS score =5.22±2.84), 8% had poor physical well-being (n=9, PHC= 62%±
Do firefighters have PTSD?
Rates of PTSD in Firefighters Given that traumatic exposure is common among firefighters, it is not surprising that high rates of PTSD have been found. Studies have found that anywhere between approximately 7 percent and 37 percent of firefighters meet the criteria for a current diagnosis of PTSD.
How stressful is being a firefighter?
They risk heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation and serious injury while on the job, and even the state of anticipation preceding a major threat can be highly stressful in itself. Firefighters are also sometimes required to spend long hours outdoors in bad weather.
What is the life expectancy of a firefighter?
The average life expectancy at age 60 for police and firefighters was 24 years for men and 26 years for women. For non-police and fire, the comparable figures were 25 years for men and 27 years for women – just one year longer!
What is the divorce rate for firefighters?
Based on their analysis, firefighters had a lower rate of current divorce/ separation than most other occupations (14.08% for firefighters vs. 16.35% for average across occupations).
What is Firefighter PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma and stress-related disorder that can develop after exposure to an event in which death or severe physical harm occurred[2].
What problems do firefighters face?
Firefighters are susceptible to burns, smoke inhalation and crush injuries from collapsing structures. They can suffer from heat exhaustion, as well as long-term job-related illnesses such as asthma, persistent coughing, heart disease, cancer and lung damage.
Do firefighters have shorter lives?
Firefighters have shorter life expectancies than the average population and are three times more likely to die on the job, partly due to inherent risks, physical and mental stresses, and exposures to toxic and carcinogenic compounds released in smoke (source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, University of Cincinnati).
Why do firefighters quit?
Firefighters in California are quitting their jobs because of incredibly low wages and a lack of benefits as three major fires rage in Californias Inland Empire, Central Valley, and the California-Oregon border. So the actual living conditions, coupled with the wages, its pretty terrible.
Why are firemen called Jakes?
New England affectionate slang for Firefighter. Being a Good J-Key probably meant a fireman who was cool under the pressure and could send clear Morse code. J-Key was eventually shortened to Jake, and when spread to the public, Jake came to be a common term for firemen in general.
Why do fireworks trigger PTSD?
Although beautiful to behold, fireworks displays are triggering for people with PTSD, many of whom struggle with loud noises. Symptoms of PTSD, which stem from a shocking or terrifying experience, can be triggered by sights, sounds, or smells that other people find tolerable or even enjoyable.
How do firefighters risk their lives?
Firefighters are susceptible to burns, smoke inhalation and crush injuries from collapsing structures. They can suffer from heat exhaustion, as well as long-term job-related illnesses such as asthma, persistent coughing, heart disease, cancer and lung damage.
Do firefighters quit?
Firefighters in California are quitting their jobs because of incredibly low wages and a lack of benefits as three major fires rage in Californias Inland Empire, Central Valley, and the California-Oregon border. So the actual living conditions, coupled with the wages, its pretty terrible.