Behavioral Health

Firefighters and EMS personnel routinely witness horrific events that ordinary people don’t. These experiences can lead to mental health issues, including PTSD and depression—even suicide. Here you can view the latest findings, policies and procedures that can help first responders and their leaders recognize behavioral health problems and take action before they put themselves and those around them at risk. Recognizing emerging or existing mental health issues is critical to keeping first responders safe.

Suicide in the Fire Service

Behavioral Health Resources

First responders face unique behavioral health challenges. FRCE provides practical resources to help departments recognize behavioral health concerns, support their members, and build effective behavioral health programs.

Explore the resources below for guidance on program development, behavioral health screening, early intervention, and support.

Practical guidance to help fire departments develop, implement, and maintain an effective behavioral health program.

A working group summary report examining behavioral health screening as part of firefighter medical evaluations.

ACT Now! Behavioral Health Resource

Fire Service Behavioral Health Response

STRESS FIRST AID WHITEBOARD VIDEO LIBRARY

Explore short Stress First Aid whiteboard videos designed to introduce key SFA concepts and practical strategies for supporting first responders.

SFA Coordinate

SFA Confidence

SFA Competence

SFA Connect

SFA Calm

SFA Cover

SFA Check

SFA Core Actions

SFA Stress Continuum

SFA Stress Injuries

SFA Introduction

StartYourRecovery.org provides helpful information for people who are dealing with substance use issues — and their family members, friends, and co-workers, too. Find support in Washington and nationwide.

Resource	Access

First Responder Center for Excellence for Reducing Occupational Illness, Injuries and Deaths, Inc.

Physical Address: 16825 S. Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 190, Camden-Wyoming, DE 19934-0190

Email: info@frcmail.org

© 2017 - 2025 First Responder Center for Excellence for Reducing Occupational Illness, Injuries and Deaths, Inc. The First Responder Center for Excellence is an affiliate organization of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Funding provided in whole or in part through DHS/FEMA’s Grant Program Directorate for Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program – Fire Prevention and Safety Grants.

The FRCE does not solicit donations by phone or employ outside companies to do so. You can make a donation by mail or by phone.