Understanding the Stressors of Firefighting
Cancer, stroke, heart disease, and suicide take firefighters’ lives every year. One common denominator among all of these conditions is stress. Given the nature of the job, it would be impossible to eliminate stress from the fire service entirely. In order to mitigate the risk of stress-related injuries and deaths, it is important to first understand the stressors of the job and the impact that they can have.
Why Firefighting is So Stressful
Firefighting is a widely known as one of the most stressful jobs available due to its physical dangers, psychologically taxing environment, and constantly changing conditions.
A certain amount of stress can be beneficial to firefighters as it can heighten their performance and alertness in dangerous situations. However, every stressful experience builds on the ones that came before. Over time, the accumulation of stress can lead to debilitating mental and physical health conditions that may manifest as depression, heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia.
Figures from the United States Fire Administration show firefighters experience a threefold risk of dying from a stress-related event such as a car accident.
Engineer adjusts boots and turnout pants to prepare for a quick response.
A firefighter faces constant pressure and exposure to traumatic experiences such as death and suffering. Just being on duty can add to the accumulation of stress. Firefighting is a 24-hour occupation role, so getting a solid 8 hours of sleep can be impossible while on duty. The precious few hours of sleep that they do get are regularly interrupted.
According to a Mayo Clinic report from a study of 3,000 people over the age of 45, anything less than 6 hours of sleep increases the chance of stroke or heart attack to twice that of people who regularly sleep between 6 - 8 hours. [1]
Irregular sleeping patterns can leave firefighters in a severe state of sleep neglect, which has been linked to kidney disease, heightened blood pressure, heart disease, depression, stroke, and obesity. It's not just the length of sleep; sleep quality is also vital. Firefighters are often woken before they can get enough time in the REM cycle, a stage of sleep critical to good mental health, alertness, and feeling well-rested. [2]
Noise as a Stressor
Firefighters are routinely exposed to loud noises during a fire station alert. Studies have shown that noise can factor into stress-related illnesses, including hypertension, ulcers, allergies, and neurological disorders.
The auditory startle response is a reflexive muscle response to a sudden loud sound or intense stimulus. In PTSD and anxiety disorders, the startle response is often exaggerated to produce a heightened response to a stimulus that would not affect other people the same way.
An exaggerated startle response can trigger physiological changes, such as high blood pressure, increased sweating, and pressure in the head. [3]
Firefighter PTSD Warning Signs
A firefighter rests on the chief’s vehicle after coming out of a fire.
Photo Credit: Getty Images, Boston Globe
Firefighters are regularly exposed to highly traumatic circumstances such as death and severe injury, putting them at significant risk of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Spouses and colleagues should be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
Flashbacks or nightmares
Avoidance issues, such as avoiding certain places or activities
Increased aggression, anger, hypervigilance, or hypersensitivity
Negative mood changes such as detachment, guilt, and lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
Not interested in engaging with anyone after work
Low tolerance for stressful situations or quick to anger or frustration
For IAFF members struggling with PTS or other mental challenges, check out the IAFF Center of Excellence. For those who are not IAFF members or would prefer a different path for help, reach out to your local peer support group and ask for help. If neither of those options is available to you, send us an email and we will help you find the help you need.
References:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2016, February 3). Getting to the 'heart' of Sleep - Mayo Clinic News Network. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 16, 2022, from https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/getting-to-the-heart-of-sleep/
The dangers of sleep deprivation | firehouse. Firehouse. (2016, December 1). Retrieved September 16, 2022, from https://www.firehouse.com/safety-health/news/12268164/the-dangers-of-sleep-deprivation-for-emergency-workers
Directors, F. M. R. C. (2021, September 1). How fire station alerting systems affect firefighter health and safety. Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment. Retrieved September 16, 2022, from https://www.fireapparatusmagazine.com/the-fire-station/alerting-systems-and-firefighter-health-and-safety/