Danielle loves and misses her uncle so much and can’t wait to begin her career to help others get through that same struggle that he had to deal with.
Scholarship Announcement
FBHA to Offer Free Workshops to California Wildfire Firefighters
MAY 11, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rachel Buczynski
Phone: 571-969-7590
Email: rbuczynski@ffbha.org
FBHA to Offer Free Workshops to California Wildfire Firefighters
Workshops made possible by a grant from Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund – General Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) is pleased to announce the availability of free training for fire departments who sent responders to last year’s California wildfires. Through a grant from the Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund – General Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, FBHA will offer these free behavioral health workshops to help support first responders as they move forward after the deadliest and most destructive wildfire season on record in California.
FBHA is a national nonprofit that works to raise awareness about behavioral health issues and suicide in the fire service through data collection and education. Through the grant, FBHA will offer interactive, high-impact in-person trainings at any department that has firefighters who helped respond to the California wildfires. Attendees will be educated on how to recognize signs and symptoms of those in behavioral health distress and will expand their knowledge through role play and Q&A.
Fire departments in any state can apply. Workshops must be hosted no later than November 2019. To apply for a free workshop, complete the application and return via email to workshop@ffbha.org or by fax to 888-788-5047.
Find out more about FBHA at http://www.ffbha.org. Questions? Contact FBHA at workshop@ffbha.org or 847-209-8208.
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About FBHA
The mission of FBHA is to collaborate, develop and implement behavioral health awareness, prevention, intervention, and post crisis strategies to provide firefighters with an easily accessible and confidential source of information. Using best practices and protocols, FBHA promotes awareness, education and training, communication, integration of services, resources and support to the men and women of the fire service and EMS. Founder and Instructor Jeff Dill holds a Master’s Degree in counseling, and is a retiree with 26 years in the fire service, most recently as Captain at the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District in Inverness, Illinois. He is a member of the American Counseling Association and the National Board of Certified Counselors. Learn more at http://www.ffbha.org.
Scholarship Announcement
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Founder of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, we have selected Elizabeth Henderson to receive one of five Scholarships that we have to offer. Elizabeth is the recipient of the Firefighter Timothy J. Karnisky Scholarship in the amount of $500.00.
2019 FBHA Grants Available Now
2019 FBHA WORKSHOP GRANT INFORMATION
FBHA is excited to announce on November 6, 2018, the Board of Directors for Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) unanimously approved a grant request to provide no cost workshops to Fire and EMS departments on behavioral health and suicide prevention/awareness. This year FBHA awarded 12 departments both Saving Those Who Save Others and An Internal Size Up through our grant program.
In 2019, both workshops are being offered again. The twelve workshops are 4 hours each that discuss signs/symptoms, communication, addictions, stress, and PTSD. These workshops also include videos, role-play and a presentation of the data collected by FBHA. The scope of the grant is to provide workshops for volunteer, career or combination departments that have budget restrictions that inhibit them from paying for this type of training.
Departments that are awarded a workshop will not incur any fees or expenses, with the exception of refreshments or lunch for the attendees if desired.
The training must take place in 2019 by November 30, and is dependent on the schedule of the instructor(s) and fire department.
To complete your application, Please complete and submit the document below along with the required financial statements. Applications will be accepted by email to info@ffbha.org or by faxing to 888-788-5047.
If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Dill at 847-209-8208.
Scholarship Announcement
A word from Alice:
February 6, 2017, I lost my father to suicide. It was something that I never saw coming, it truly altered my world. After my father’s passing, I started a club at my school titled “Triple S”, Students Supporting Students. The intent of this club is to invite students who are struggling emotionally to release and talk to others who might be going through similar situations. It’s similar to an AA meeting, but for those going through grief, or are in a difficult emotional state. I also took part in a club named “S.T.A.R. Club”, Students Taking Active Roles. This group works to tackle issues such as: underage drinking, substance abuse, sexual assault, abuse, and suicide. These clubs have assisted me to establish connections with people in my community and share my experience. I had a boy come up to me after a meeting, he confronted me about a very personal topic. He was very depressed and emotionally unstable. I took him with me to a counselor whom he and I where both comfortable with. I felt empathy for him because I have been in an emotionally unstable state. I have felt that life was not worth living before. Having a peer seek me out, and request my consolation; when I had a similar experience made me feel his emotions and connect to them deeply. Another girl in these groups lost her father the same way I lost mine. She is two grades younger, but she came to me seeking comfort. I shared with her my experience and told her how I coped with it and the various stages of grief that I felt and how I handled them. I establish connections with others; I connect with their difficulties in life and comfort them.
My father’s death made me stronger as a young women, I can bear grief and support my mother. I can step up and take action in my home life, and my life in society. I have created a group, along with provided insights and consolation to those that need it. The loss of someone so monumental in your life leaves a tremendous impact, but I will continue working to find the positive effects that this may bring. I will continue to educate and consolidate others in hope to raise suicide awareness in first responders and students.
Posted in: Uncategorized
ANNOUNCEMENT
2018 FBHA WORKSHOP GRANT INFORMATION
On February 15, 2018, the Board of Directors for Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) unanimously approved a grant request to provide no cost workshops to fire departments on suicide prevention and awareness. This year FBHA is offering both Saving Those Who Save Others and An Internal Size Up through our grant program. Both workshops are 4 hours that discuss signs/symptoms, communication, addictions, stress, and PTSD. These workshops also include videos, role-play and a presentation of the data collected by FBHA. The scope of the grant is to provide 12 workshops for volunteer, career or combination departments that have budget restrictions that inhibit them from paying for this type of training.
Departments that are awarded a workshop will not incur any fees or expenses, with the exception of refreshments or lunch for the attendees if desired. These are all covered by the FBHA grant.
The training must take place in 2018, and is dependent on the schedule of the instructor(s) and fire department.
To complete your application, Please complete and submit the document below along with the required financial statements. Applications will be accepted by email to info@ffbha.org or by faxing to 623-388-3642.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 847-209-8208.
We Remember
Guest post by a 9/11/01 Survivor, First Responder, Chandra Davis
9/11/01 Is a day of Remembrance. A day the Nation came together and a day the Nation should continue to come together and remember the events of 9/11/01.
Being one of many First Responders that answered the call to go to Ground Zero in September 2001 from Tennessee. We arrived a few days after the Towers had come down. We were assigned Tower 2. We had many duties, worked long hours, and met amazing people in New York.
I will always be in Remembrance of those that have paid the ultimate price. While we lost over 3,000 that day. Another roughly 2,000 Uniform and Non-Uniform have passed from 9/11 Ground Zero Related Cancers, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and other diseases. (Courtesy of Fealgood Foundation)
Ground Zero, The Pentagon, and Shanksville should all be in our thoughts and prayers always. Remember those lost and those who responded and answered the call and are still dying of 9/11 related conditions.
If you have questions please feel free to reach out to me at Cdavis4420@gmail.com.
Physical and Mental Close Call
June 21, 2017 – Guest Writer, Perry Hall
Bio
Perry Hall grew up in the fire service with his father in North Carolina. He went on to become a career firefighter (large municipal department 500+ members) with over 20 years in the fire service, both as a volunteer and paid firefighter, holding various positions. Throughout his career, Perry obtained a number of certifications, B.A.S. in Fire Administration and is currently very involved as a Fire/Rescue Instructor. Perry is married and is the father of 2 children and 4 step children. Perry’s own cumulative exposure to a number of critical incidents made a huge impact on him personally. Perry encountered one final incident that drastically changed his life and his career. Through his personal experience, he began educating himself and getting involved in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) to learn more about how critical incidents affect emergency responders, education that would have helped earlier in his career. Currently, he is an advocate for first responders and works to educate others about the effects of trauma among first responders and how important mental wellness is for emergency responders.
Department Demographics in 2014
Provides fire and medical response for 144 sq miles with approximate population of 280,000. The 550 member department is Nationally Accredited and ISO Class 1, with 25 stations. At the time of this incident I was assigned as the Captain of an engine company staffed with four personal running an average 3,000 calls a year.
Physical and Mental Close Call – This is my story
May 5th, 2014 was a day that changed my life and the lives of my family forever. I didn’t realize that this would be such a significant day in my life until months later, however I am very thankful to be alive. That B-shift morning started like most others on Engine 8, a nice, sunny, spring morning, riding a couple routine calls before lunch. My engineer and I were the only two normally assigned that day as the two firefighters on the back of my engine were just filling in for the day. Those two strong firefighters played a vital role in my survival that day. We had just finished lunch, still sitting at the table when the call came in. A structure fire was dispatched on the far end of our assigned territory. Three engines, two ladders and one battalion chief were initially dispatched which is common protocol for a single-family dwelling. Our heavy rescue and an additional battalion chief were added to the call once notes pm the MCT indicated a working fire. A neighbor reported a fire in the basement with smoke showing.
We knew the arrival of our company (Engine 8) and adjoining station 10 would be within seconds of each other, with them possibly arriving first. Engine 10 arrived on scene first, laid a supply line, gave a size up, assumed command, and deployed a 1 ¾” attack line for fire attack. Ladder 10 arrived simultaneously with Engine 10, and assumed the role of ventilation. Our company arrived within seconds of station 10 equipment and was assigned search and rescue. My personal size up was moderate smoke showing from the attic and eaves on a single-story residential structure with a basement. Engine 8 personnel departed the truck with hand tools and a thermal imaging camera (TIC) while our engineer assisted the engineer of Engine 10 with establishing a water supply. While we were approaching the structure, I had decided our search plan was to enter division 1 to search above the fire for any viable life. I observed a company forcing the division ‘A’ door, which I assumed was Ladder 10 taking the role of a split assignment (ventilation and forcible entry). At this point I was under the assumption that fire attack was advancing on the fire via a division ‘C’ basement door.
We made entry through the front door with me leading the way, by scanning with the TIC and sounding the floor as we went. Smoke was banked to about two feet off the floor. in a matter of seconds we had completed a search of hallway and living room. I observed a crew with an attack line behind us and after communicating with them they advised the fire was on division 1 and they were attempting to locate. Now thinking the fire was on division 1 I requested vertical ventilation to improve conditions. We continued our search for life and fire, and completed the same quickly, with no fire conditions found. I then advised command we had an all clear with a personal accountability report (PAR). While heading out of the structure I located the door to the basement. Around this time frame it was communicated by ventilation that the fire was in the basement on the division ‘C/D’ side. Upon finding the basement door and with the attack line being on division 1, their quickest option was to descend the stairs to the basement. I advised fire attack in a face to face to manage the door for me while I sounded the stairs for them prior to their descent. It was never my intention to descend into the basement, just to sound the stairs for fire attack since they were without hand tools.
I took approximately 3 to 4 steps down finding the stairs were intact at which point I turned around to exit finding the door to my egress closed. I later learned that command had ordered an evacuation, from the structure, that I didn’t hear transmitted. When the search and fire attack crews exited the structure, they thought everyone was together. With the two crews evacuating together it should have been six personnel; however, I was missing. Once I found the door closed, I could hear Engine 10 on the other side of the door. With only needing the door opened I immediately transmitted on the radio, telling them “they had closed the door on me and I needed it opened”. This was after several failed attempts with my radio receiving a busy tone when trying to transmit. The door was inward swinging to the steps and had no door knob or way for me to open the door. I purposely didn’t call a mayday at first because personnel were on the other side of the door and I needed to immediately relay my message. If I realized they were outside the structure, I would have most definitely called a mayday, even though command was already aware of all my mayday information hearing my transmission (location, unit #, name, assignment, and what I needed). 21
Command immediately contacted Engine 10 confirming they received my request and they acknowledged advising they had cleared the structure, but three personnel (E10 Captain and two firefighters from E8) were re-entering to locate me. At the same time Ladder 52 and Rescue 5 were making entry through the division ‘C’ basement door to locate the stairs. E52 was then assigned as a secondary RIC team. I know of twice during this time I came back on the radio “you have to hurry; I am burning up.” I contemplated breaching the wall; however, I knew from our search that I was between a bathroom and kitchen which would, make it extremely difficult if not impossible to breach. Also my hook was four foot long also making it difficult to breach in a three foot wide stairway. I began beating with all my might with my hook against the door to make noise for the search crew. It never even crossed my mind to activate my PASS; however, my beating on the door is what led the search crew to me. I knew that the door would not open in the conventional way; however, I also never attempted to put my hand under the door to open in which i found wasn’t an option of the fire. At this point visibility was zero with my TIC “whiting out” due to the high heat conditions, the air in my cylinder had become heat saturated making it hot to breath and I felt as if I was being stung by a million yellow jackets. The ceiling overhead stayed intact the entire duration, making my position like a chimney with a cap over it. I knew my only other option was to go down stairs into the basement which I didn’t want to do; however, I couldn’t take more of the beating where I was at.
At this moment, I could hear the rescue crew coming down the hallway, the door swung open and 2 hands grabbed hold of me. We immediately began heading out under extreme heat conditions. I advised command that they had reached me and that we were exiting the structure. Command immediately called for an evacuation and PAR of all crews prior to defensive operations. While the four of us exited the structure I noticed one crew member off to the right as if disoriented. I was able to grab hold of him and pull him back with us. While discussing the fire with him some time later he explained to me that he had become turned around and separated from us. All he could see was a big plate glass window that he wanted to breach due to the extreme heat; however, he was afraid the fire would flash on the rest of us if he did so. This encounter only lasting only a few seconds felt like a life time to him. I cannot explain the feeling of relief and pure adrenalin I was experiencing when I was safe outside and able to breathe in fresh air. Fellow firefighters brought me water and helped me to dress down from my ensemble. I was taken to EMS which evaluated me finding my vital signs extremely elevated. I didn’t have any pain or blisters at this time, just extremely red skin, like sun burn. I sat out in rehab until my vitals fell in normal limits and declined any treatment or transport. I returned to my crew to conduct overhaul operations and looked at the interior layout. After completing overhaul, we dressed down again and I found blisters on my wrists with more forming. I didn’t want to report it to command, but knew the policy and was required to do so. Command requested EMS to respond non-emergency for a checkup. EMS arrived and re-evaluated my vitals which were still elevated somewhat and my entire upper body was blood red. I declined transport but had to report to urgent care for treatment. Once evaluated at urgent care I was determined to have second degree burns on both wrists and forearms, with first degree burns on my upper torso. I was given care instructions, medications and sent home until further notice. After a week, I was able to report to light duty until I could return to full duty.
After returning to work everything returned to normal, so I thought until my mental close call that hit me out of nowhere. You see, prior to this event I had no knowledge or education dealing with mental health personal care, signs/symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in my prior 16 years as a firefighter. I began having trouble sleeping, re-experiencing the fire, nightmares; feeling detached from everyone but my children, depressed, and had become very emotional. I would later understand these all to be signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. On the night of May 27, 2014 I self-medicated with alcohol to suppress my feelings. I was tired of being alone and missed my children I was divorced from their mother, so I headed to a friend’s house. Due to this poor emotional, alcohol influenced decision I was pulled over and charged with driving under the influence. The police officer and police department were very nice, compassionate, and respectful. I was released with a written promise to appear in court.
I didn’t recognize or realize the gradually onset of feelings and emotions. Through the education I have received since that time, I realize my emotional distress during that period. I wasn’t thinking clearly, self-medicating to cope. I realized I needed some help and made an employee assistance program (EAP) appointment for PTSD assistance. The down fall to many EAP resources are that they are not experienced dealing with emergency responders. The makeup and reaction we have is different than that of the general public. This was the case with my encounter, with no fault to this doctor; the experience was just not there. Subsequently following this assistance I made an appointment with a local outpatient treatment center for counseling. I was placed in a 40-hour intensive outpatient program, receiving treatment and coping skills, which has assisted me in living a normal life. Following this counseling I began taking classes on critical incident training, suicide prevention, substance abuse prevention to better assist myself and emergency services. While attending these courses, I found that I needed more assistance with my PTSD and to ensure I had all the needed tools to keep my alcoholism under control.
I searched for months looking for a treatment facility geared towards emergency responders and finally decided on one in Westminster, Massachusetts. I attended an in-patient treatment facility for nine days at the On-Site Academy which is solely for emergency responders and military personnel suffering from various forms of critical incident stress and/or substance abuse. A participant can stay as long as they feel unable to thrive at home. While in the program various activities are provided including but limited to: anger management, group discussions, Alcoholics Anonymous, group cooking, massages, debriefings, one-on-one counseling and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). While in the academy, a participate has down time to do as they wish even leave the house for outside activities.
The stigma surrounding our mental well-being in the fire service must change as well the common acceptance of alcohol among first responders as a coping tool. We train to prepare for when an emergency occurs in order to have the necessary skills and be physically prepared; however, we must do the same mentally. This is why I am standing up to share my story, to at least make a dent in this stigma and to show that it is ok to say you’re not ok! We must be able to recognize the warning signs of substance abuse, critical incident stress and risks for suicide in ourselves and our co-workers.
Expert Reviewers:
Kirk Daniels
Ben Thomas
Jessica Hall
Announcement
On February 20, 2017, the Board of Directors for Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) unanimously approved a grant request to provide no cost workshops to fire departments on suicide prevention and awareness. Saving Those Who Save Others, is a 4 hour workshop that discusses signs/symptoms, communication, addictions, stress, and PTSD. The workshop also includes videos, role-play and a presentation of the data collected by FBHA. The scope of the grant is to provide 3 workshops for volunteer, career or combination departments that have budget restrictions that inhibit them from paying for this type of training. The training must take place in 2017, and is dependent on the schedule of the instructor and fire department.
Departments that are awarded a workshop will not incur any fees or expenses, with the exception of refreshments or lunch for the attendees if desired. These are all covered by the FBHA grant.
To apply, please complete and submit the document below along with the required financial statements. Applications will be accepted by email to info@ffbha.org or by faxing to 623-388-3642.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 847-209-8208.
2017 Survivor Retreat Sponsorships Available
Please help us with our Survivor Retreat
It’s that time again that FBHA is planning our 3rd Those Left Behind Retreat. We are hoping for your help this year! This year’s event is being held in Gatlinburg, TN, May 17 -21, 2017.
This event is designed for families of firefighters and EMS that lost a loved one by suicide. Our retreat provides a safe environment for participants to talk about their struggles and challenges since suffering such a tragic loss. The weekend is often life-changing. For many it is the first time to meet another family affected by suicide and the first time they realize they are not alone. Participants will attend educational presentations and will be connected with a strong support system. They will also have time to have fun and build bonds that when they leave, they will have renewed strength and hope and lifelong friends.
But all of this can only happen with the loyal & generous support of companies like you. This is the third year for the retreat with participants from across the United States. Retreat expenses for 2017 are expected to exceed $750.00 per person, including transportation. Last year, families attended by providing their own transportation, with all meals, lodging & activities provided.
Today we invite you to change lives by sponsoring a specific meal or activity. Please see the various sponsorship opportunities available below.
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities for the 3rd Annual FBHA Survivor Retreat, Those Left Behind 2017
Airfare:
10 @ $400 = $4,000 or donation of miles for tickets (All or a portion of the amount is greatly appreciated)
Accommodations:
Lodging for 25 attendees – May 17-21, 2017
SPONSORSHIP RECEIVED – PB Bell
Meals:
Breakfast each day of the retreat for 25 attendees
Thursday – Sunday
$1,000
Welcome Reception – Country & Western Meet & Greet
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Includes food & non-alcoholic beverages
$1,000
Formal Dinner prior to We Remember Night in Gatlinburg
Friday, May 19, 2017
Location TBD
(No alcohol)
$1,200
Smokey Mountain Picnic
Saturday, May 20, 2017
(No alcohol)
$750
Pizza Dinner
Saturday May 20, 2017
Pizza & salad
(No alcohol)
$300
Weekend Snacks
$300
Activities:
Dollywood with catered lunch
Thursday, May 18, 2017
$1,900
In-Lodge Massage Therapy for 10
Friday, May 19, 2017
$350
Horseback Riding for 10
Friday, May 19, 2017
$450
White Water Rafting for 10
Friday, May 19, 2017
$450
Gatlinburg Aerial Tram for 25
Friday, May 19, 2017
$400
Survivor Shirts or hats:
$300
Welcome Bags:
$300
Thank you for being a supporter of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance!
Donations can be made via credit card/PayPal at www.ffbha.org. To donate by check, make checks payable to Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance and mail by 4/15/2017 to: Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, 3655 W. Anthem Way, Suite A109-374, Anthem AZ, 85086. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Jeff Dill at jdill@ffbha.org or 847-209-8208 OR Karen Dill at kdill@ffbha.org or 847-977-1304.
Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance is an IRS approved 501(c)3 organization, 100% of your tax deductible donation today will go to sponsor the 2017 FBHA Survivor Retreat, Those Left Behind.
Thank you,
Karen A. Dill
Board President
3655 W. Anthem Way
Ste. A-109-374
Anthem, AZ 85086
Cell 847-977-1304
FAX 623-388-3642
ffbha 