Under the Helmet: Performing an Internal Size-Up

The issue of behavioral health has affected firefighters for many years without much notice. Acknowledging and accepting the mental and physical impact has only recently been recognized as having a short and long-term consequence on the mental wellness of our brothers and sisters, which we in the public safety community are now beginning to admit. It is a duty of ourselves to accept we cannot always deal with the stress that life and public safety brings to bear upon. The impact stress brings to our family, children, friends and colleagues can no longer be ignored. The use of drugs, alcohol and other stimulants to disguise the symptoms must be recognized and action taken. Mental wellness is a necessary attribute for all public safety response personnel. The VCOS Yellow Ribbon Report – Under the Helmet: Performing an Internal Size-Up Report provides information for members of the response community on the signs, symptoms and actions necessary to protect ourselves from the stressors.