Kentucky Fire Fighter Peer Support (KYFFPS) FIREFIGHTERS HELPING FIREFIGHTERS KYFFPS POST TRAINING MATERIALS

BASIC DEFINITION OF PEER SUPPORT Peer support is defined as a service provided by an individual or group of trained firefighters who respond to firefighters in need –whether that need be a personal or professional concern. Peer support teams will serve as a helping resource for fire service employees and their families.

KENTUCKY FIRE FIGHTER PEER SUPPORT Mission Statement To serve the fire service family by providing trained peer supporters who can give confidential, appropriate, and supportive assistance. Vision Statement Kentucky Firefighter Peer Support seeks to participate in the contemporary movement toward holistic wellness in the fire service by allowing peer support teams to become an integral part of the organization. Value Statement Kentucky Firefighter Peer Support values the concept of brotherhood and sisterhood in which firefighters have supported one another. This includes understanding that we have a duty to all firefighters equally, and that we are all deserving of genuine support by our peers in a time of need, no matter the need.

KENTUCKY FIRE FIGHTER PEER SUPPORT Mission, Vision, Value Summation: When you are needing help or someone to talk with and you do not think anyone will understand contact KYFFPS. We’ve been there too and want to help!

FIREFIGHTER STRESS TYPES There are three primary stressors for Firefighters/EMS: Personal Examples could be… Family dynamics/issues that are present. Financial strains. Extra responsibility of others to care for (i.e., a sick child, parents who are elderly, spousal/intimate partner issues). Professional “Second Home” life. Death or serious injury of a child. A build up of calls and/or a single call can be a major stressors. Abuse/Neglect of children or elders. Death or serious injury to self or co-worker. Management or union issues. Vicarious Trauma From what you have seen and been exposed to. Indirect exposure through stories or witnessing someone discussing a bad situation.

RED FLAGS OR SIGNS OF FIREFIGHTER STRESS Complacency/Laziness Is it a new behavior? Used to be meticulous about their work? Why has it changed? Isolating from others Are they usually hanging out with everyone and suddenly you just don’t see them around? Marriage and Relationship Problems Have they increased or changed? Do you know why? Not every relational problem is something that is a red flag- but can be a part of the bigger stress picture.

RED FLAGS OR SIGNS OF FIREFIGHTER STRESS Compassion Fatigue Is it a new behavior? Feelings of numbness. Are they able to care for the people they work with and for or in their family? High Risk Behaviors Is there a sudden interest in skydiving, driving fast, etc. Substance use. Suicide Ideation Sudden or unexpected fascination with death. Talking about different ways to die. Do you know why? Are they a risk to themselves?

OPTIONS FOLLOWING A POTENTIALLY TRAUMATIC INCIDENT KYFFPS is not looking to replace or take over other services available. We are just another option for firefighters to choose under the umbrella of CISM. Florian CISD EAP Spiritual Leaders/Chaplains Counselors KYFFPS FPS Therapists And all other providers too!

WHAT IS KYFFPS, AND WHAT CAN IT DO? KYFFPS not an emergency response team, and it is not a version of CISD Our goal is that kyffps will respond as soon as possible –within 24 hours (phone/email) and in-person, within 48 hours (if requested). Peer Supporters must be “called upon” through our Peer Request Process Please contact us via email or phone, and the Program Coordinators will provide the peer support service, or refer you to a peer supporter in your area. This helps us keep track of the need that is out there. It is not recommended that you view your department’s peer supporter as your “go to” in all circumstances or with all of your firefighters. Many firefighters will prefer to speak to someone outside of their department. We will refer a peer supporter to you upon your request.

HOW TO INITIATE PEER SUPPORT www.kyffps.org Fill out REQUEST ASSISTANCE FORM. Toll Free 1-855 659-3377 All requests whether email or phone are confidential.

REFERRAL OPTIONS INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED TO PEER SUPPORTERS: Individual An individual may email or call for their self and/or others. Fill out the request form and provide Peer Support. You may email, talk on the phone, or arrange a meeting place. Crew/shift A crew/shift may email or call for themselves and/or others. You will need to arrange a meeting place. If the department is not supportive, find one that is (for a meeting place). Department A department may email or call for themselves and/or others. The requesting department is likely to arrange a meeting place with you. Firefighter Significant Other A FF S.O. may email or call for themselves and/or others. Other Helping Professions Other helping professionals (i.e. police officers, other emergency responders) may email or call for themselves and/or others. Use your discretion. “Listen and Refer” option.

CONTACT INFORMATION Leadership Team Randy Childress Father Matt Young Todd Schulkers Charles Dietz Joshua Ishmael

THANK YOU. WE HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL THANK YOU! WE HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL. IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT US! MOST SINCERELY, THE KYFFPS LEADERSHIP TEAM