How can fire fighter families cope with the emotional toll of loving a first responder? There are ceaseless worries--about the physical dangers of the profession, the cumulative stress, and the long hours spent away from home. In this compassionate and knowledgeable guide--now fully revised and updated--psychologist Ellen Kirschman shares sage advice and practical strategies for when times get tough. From dealing with occupational hazards like trauma, marital tension, and substance use problems, to the psychological effects of fighting wildland fires, Dr. Kirschman understands the unique challenges of life on the front lines. With candor and wisdom, she shows fire fighters and their loved ones how to navigate the highs and lows of "the best job in the world."
Ellen Kirschman, PhD, is a police and public safety psychologist, volunteer clinician at the First Responder Support Network, and sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator. Dr. Kirschman is a recipient of the Award for Outstanding Contributions to Police and Public Safety Psychology from the Police and Public Safety section of Division 18 (Psychologists in Public Service) of the American Psychological Association and the Distinguished Contribution to Psychology award from the California Psychological Association. She is coauthor of a book for mental health professionals, Counseling Cops; author of the self-help guides I Love a Cop, Third Edition, and I Love a Fire Fighter, Second Edition; and writes a mystery series featuring police psychologist Dr. Dot Meyerhoff. She also blogs with Psychology Today and writes a newsletter. Her website is www.ellenkirschman.com.
Introduction
I. Two In/Two Out: Building and Strengthening Your Resilient Relationship
1. The Givens and Realities of the Fire Service
2. Spillover: Managing the Relationship between Home and Work
3. Relationships: Signs of Trouble, Signs of Strength
II. Answering the Call: Fire Fighters and Their Careers
4. Profiles: The Fire Fighter Personality
5. Climbing the Career Ladder: From Recruitment to Retirement
III. Beyond Burning Buildings
6. Emergency Medical Services
7. Wildland Fire and Trauma
IV. The Hot Zone: Staying Safe
8. Injuries, Fatalities, and Challenges to Health
9. Improving Safety
V. Trauma and Stress
10. Trauma: An Overview
11. Protective Factors: A Caring Organization, Resilience, and Posttraumatic Growth
12. Getting Help for PTSI: What to Aim For, Where to Go
13. Families and Trauma
14. Helping Yourself
15. Children and Trauma
VI. Fire Fighters in Hot Water
16. Addiction and Arson
17. Domestic Abuse and Suicide
VII. Special Families
18. Fire-Fighting Couples
19. Diversity: Women, Ethnic Minorities, and LGBTQ Fire Fighters on the Job
VIII. Getting the Help You Need When You Need It
20. Counseling
Epilogue
Resources
Bibliography
Index
