You are concerned and decide to reach out. As you approach your colleague and ask how they are doing, they tell you that everything is fine. As you continue to engage, offering reassurance and support, they share with you that they are dealing with a significant personal issue and are not sure where to turn. They explain that it has been difficult to get quality sleep, and it is affecting work and family. You ask if they would be willing to seek professional help and they indicate that they would consider it. The firefighter thanks you for your concern. You advise that you will follow up with more information.

To properly assist your colleague, you need to seek out more information.

Seek out and interview an appropriate individual who can provide more information on the questions listed below. They may be from inside or outside of your agency.

Questions:

What cultural change in the fire service needs to happen? What NFFF life safety initiative applies?

1. Why is it important to maintain physical and mental wellness in the fire service?

2. What types of threat to life and health have you seen associated with the fire service?

3. Do the department personnel have access to any type of peer support team? If so, is it local or regional?

4. Do the department personnel have access to any type of behavioral health assistance program? If so, what are the details?

5. Who needs to be accountable for health and safety?

6. What treatment facilities, if any, are available for department personnel who are dealing with a mental health or substance use disorder? If any, where are they located? How are they accessed?

7. Are there costs associated with accessing treatment for mental health services?

8. Does the department have a policy in place for personnel who need time off for a mental health issue? Does the policy address the personnel's return to duty?

9. Does the department provide any type of training to personnel on how to recognize mental health issues? If so, please provide details.

After you conduct your interview, Make sure to include:

• 1. an introduction in which you offer information about your interviewee,
• 2. a summary of your thoughts about the interviewee's responses, and a conclusion summarizing your research and what you learned.