Substance Use Disorders: What to Do When Someone Is Struggling

As discussed in our last post, when moving firefighters up through the ranks of promotion, it is imperative that each person receives training on how best to identify substance abuse issues. We talked about the signs of intoxication caused by different substances and the behaviors often exhibited by someone in the throes of an addiction to any substance. 

But once a substance use disorder is suspected or identified, how should a new lieutenant, captain, or chief handle the situation? What can be done to manage the situation swiftly and effectively with an eye toward discretion and safety?

Chain of Command

No matter who you are, there is someone above you. If a newly promoted person is unsure how to handle any aspect of the new position, checking in with the next boss in line and getting some pointers should always be the first course of action. Newly promoted personnel should be made to feel comfortable asking about anything at any time but especially in the first year of a new position and especially when a firefighter may be struggling with a substance use disorder.

Discretion

The goals of intervening when a firefighter is struggling with a substance use disorder and may be unfit for duty as a result are to prioritize safety of the crew and the community, and help that person connect with treatment that will allow a swift and safe return to active duty. Discretion is advised at all times in order to protect the privacy of the individual and to decrease any issues that may block that person from returning to work after treatment.

A Plan of Action

Together with other administrators in the firehouse, an actionable plan should be created to address the situation in a simple and effective manner. Though different protocols may be more or less effective in different situations, a potential plan of action may include:

• Send the person home. If it is clear that the person is under the influence or otherwise unfit for duty, send the person home. No one on the job or in uniform should be intoxicated at any time.
• Consider the evidence. Make sure that this isn’t just a one-time thing. If this has never happened before, there is little need to proceed beyond minimal disciplinary action as per the written guidelines regarding intoxication on the job that apply to all firefighters. But if this is a repeat or ongoing problem, more serious action will be required.
• Stage an intervention. In the days following being sent home, the individual should be called in for a meeting when not on shift. The immediate supervisor of the firefighter as well as those higher up should sit down privately with the person and discuss the issue frankly, stating the reasons for concern and laying out the options available to the person going forward.
• Offer treatment services and a clear outline of options. Make sure it is clear that the person has the option to attend treatment and that the job will be waiting when the individual is again stable and fit for duty.

Clear and Simple

Intoxication and emergency response services do not mix. Even the slightest mistake on the job can be deadly. Treatment, however, can help, and it is important that newly promoted personnel understand the importance of helping firefighters with years of valuable experience to get the assistance they need to return to the job.