A call with several deaths can stay with you.
Firefighters may see things that most people never see. You may face death, severe injuries, fear, and grief. You may also see families on the worst day of their lives.
The call may end, but the impact may remain.
Firefighter multiple fatality incident recovery takes time. You deserve support as you heal.
After the Call
Your body may still feel like the emergency is happening.
You may feel tense, tired, angry, or numb. You may have trouble sleeping. & You may replay parts of the call in your mind.
These feelings can start right away. They can also show up later.
Give yourself time.
Common Reactions
A difficult call can affect your mind and body.
You may notice:
- Trouble sleeping
- Bad dreams
- Sadness or grief
- Anger
- Guilt
- Feeling numb
- Feeling on edge
- Trouble focusing
- Unwanted memories
- Feeling very tired
- Pulling away from others
There is no one “right” way to feel.
Your response is your response.
Memories May Return
Parts of the scene may come back without warning.
A sound may remind you of the call. A smell may bring back a memory. You may remember a face or a moment from the scene.
This can be hard.
When it happens, try to focus on where you are now.
Take a slow breath. Look around you. Remind yourself that the call is over.
Guilt Can Be Heavy
You may wonder if you could have done more.
You may ask:
“Did I make the right choice?”
“Could we have saved someone else?”
“Why did I survive?”
These questions can be painful.
Remember that you worked with the time and tools you had. You made choices based on what you knew at that moment.
You did not cause the event.
&
You cannot control every outcome.
Stay Close to Your Crew
Your crew went through the call too.
Check on each other.
Talk when you are ready. Listen when someone else needs to talk.
You do not need perfect words.
Sometimes saying “How are you doing?” is enough.
Then check again later.
Support should not end when the call does.
Take Care of Your Body
Stress can affect your whole body.
Therefore, start with basic care.
Drink water. Eat regular meals. Rest when you can. Move your body. Spend time somewhere calm.
Also, try to keep a normal routine.
Small steps can help your body and mind recover.
Take a Break From the News
A large incident may be shown on television and social media.
You may see the scene again and again.
You were already there.
and
You do not need to keep watching it.
Turn off the news when you need to. Step away from social media.
Give your mind some space.
Healing Takes Time
There is no set timeline for recovery.
Some days may feel easier than others.
A new call may bring back memories. An anniversary may also be difficult.
That does not mean you have failed.
Healing takes time.
Ask for Help When You Need It
You do not have to wait until things become unbearable.
Talk with someone you trust.
You may choose a fellow firefighter, peer support member, chaplain, counselor, or mental health provider.
Reach out if sleep problems, guilt, anger, fear, or unwanted memories continue.
Also, seek support if you begin using alcohol or other substances to cope.
Getting help is a sign of strength.
You Can Move Forward
Healing does not mean forgetting.
You can remember the people who died and still move forward.
You can honor their lives without carrying the full weight of the incident forever.
Most of all, give yourself the same care you would give another firefighter.
You responded. You helped. & You survived. Now give yourself time to heal.
You are not alone. Your story matters. Your healing matters.
