WARNING SIGNS — WHAT TO WATCH FOR

The IAFF Recovery Center list the following as signs of possible post-traumatic stress disorder:

• Avoidance of situations that resemble the event

• Persistent mood swings

• Difficulty performing duties or tasks

• Difficulty concentrating

• Chronic pain

• Chronic feelings of hopelessness or despair

• Substance abuse or addiction

• Hyperactivity

• Inability to relax

• Insomnia

• Jumpiness

• Feeling disconnected from friends or family

• Relationship difficulties

The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance says the top 5 warning signs, known as “RAILS,” that could indicate a firefighter is suicidal or dealing with PTSD are:

• Recklessness/Impulsiveness — These might be subtle signs such as purchasing guns when a person has always been against them. Riding a motorcycle recklessly or charging into burning buildings against policy or procedure.

• Anger — Suppressed anger or explosive anger from seemingly minor issues can be a dangerous sign. Displacement (directing one’s anger at someone else instead of the intended person) is often observed and directed at family.

• Isolation — Becoming distant from their career company around the station or volunteer firefighters who don’t participate in drills or calls as much. Members might even display isolation around their family. They lose interest in family activities.

•Loss of Confidence in skills and abilities — Several firefighters and EMTs have advised FBHA they lost confidence in their ability to get the job done due to concentrating on emotional or personal issues they were battling. A seasoned firefighters who can’t remember how put an engine in gear to pump is an example.

• Sleep Deprivation — Loss of sleep can indicate stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress or several other emotional issues a member might be struggling with and not realize.