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FIRELINES FLAMES AND EMBERS edition 2 May 16, 2016
Mental Health Front Line News for Fort McMurray FIREFORCE MEMBERS
Edition 1 covered the tier 1 FIREFORCE responders and in this edition
We ask that you stay basic and F.O.C.U.S.E.D. (First Responder Observe Care Under Stress Defense.)
F.I.R.E.S. WITHIN STRESS INFORMATION; FIRST RESPONDER INCREASED RISK EXPOSURE TO STRESS
CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR TIER 1 FIRST RESPONDERS (2&3) WHO ARE NOW ROTATED OUT OF FT. MAC ARE IN THE A.S.D. OR ACUTE STRESS DISORDER PHASE OF PTSD WHICH LASTS UP TO 30/35 DAYS defined by DSM V/APA; IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU FIND YOUR BALANCE AND HAVE A PLAN SO HERE ARE SOME TIPS FROM VETERANS WHO HAVE PTS AND WANT YOU TO PUSH BACK BEFORE IT BECOMES A PROBLEM;
-Check in with a G.P. and get a full physical as soon as you can.
-Check Carboxyhmoglobin counts.
-Get Cortisol Test for stress.
-Complete Beck Stress Anxiety Test administered by your G.P. REPEAT WEEKLY UNTIL IT IS UNDER CONTROL;
-Fill out Exposure Reports and file with your Employer.
-Start a sleep log and keep it up to date over the next 6 months. RX SLEEP MED IF NEEDED.
-Try and maintain high protein levels, avoid sugars, keep hydrated.
-Per your own protocols in law fire and ems established access to E.A.F.P. check in with them along with your g.p. Start your Recovery Process and MAINTAIN SITUATIONAL AWARENESS ON YOUR STRESS LEVELS.
-Access to Legacy House in Edmonton Red Deer and Calgary, contact them if you need respite or need shelter short term. Its quiet and private, listed on the web.
-Seek psychological help from a competent trauma informed clinician.
DO NOT ISOLATE; MAINTAIN FAMILY AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AS WELL AS PROFESSIONAL CONTACTS WITH YOUR TEAM. ISOLATION WILL LEAD YOU TO DEPRESSION AND PTS ALONG WITH SLEEP DEPRAVATION. KNOW THE SIGNS OF DEPRESSION. DISCUSS WITH YOUR G.P./LEARN HOW TO COUNTER THEM WITH HEALTHY CHOICES. EXERCISE AND GOOD FOOD.
-Buddy up with someone you trust as a responder.
-Put yourself F.I.R.S.T. "First Responder Initial Response to Stressful Trauma"
-S.T.E.P. up to the MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGE TO STAY HEALTY; "Sound Off, Tell a Friend how your doing not ok but ok enough, Employ all available means of assistance, engage competent psychological help.
Additional Information; web firefighterveteran.com
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