Mental Health Clinicians Learn What It Means to be a Firefighter
Robert Avsec
Retired battalion chief and freelance writer. Author of "Successful Transformational Change in a Fire & EMS Department: How a Focused Team Created a Revenue Recovery Program in Six Months--From Scratch"
Before and after the 7th Annual Conference of the Fire Service Psychology Association- Admin in Washington, D.C., October 3-4, 2024, with the able assistance of the DC Fire and EMS Department's staff and Training Facility, we conducted our inaugural Culturally Competent Clinician Training Program.
This program is designed to give psychologists and masters-level clinicians the hands-on experience of what the job of a firefighter entails so that they can better understand and serve firefighters and EMS personnel better.
On October 2nd, FSPA's own, Dr. Burton A. Clark, EFO, facilitated the initial session, FIRE OPS 101 (Watch the video!). The participants were properly outfitted with firefighter protective clothing, mask fit tested so that they could safely and effectively use the SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) that firefighters use to protect their respiratory system while combating fires.
Day #2 on October 5th, had the participants assemble at DCFEMS's Fire Station #16 where they learned about fire department organization, the different types of fire department apparatus and services provided and worked through case studies.
When they return to their hometowns, they have a Task Book for use during their 40-hours of ride-alongs with fire departments in their area. They have three-months to complete their Task Book.
FSPA very much appreciated the efforts of DCFEMS Deputy Chief Shawn Downs and the officers and firefighters who set up and ran the day's activities. If you and your fire department are interested in hosting this unique training opportunity for psychologists and masters-level clinicians in your area, drop FSPA a line at [email protected] and we'll get in touch to make it happen!