Greetings! I'm an Air Force fireman and Public Safety Management graduate from Indiana University. I completed the attached report this past semester. I'm very interested to hear thoughts on it.

Thanks!

Chris

Abstract

     Current findings suggest that past research, and even firefighters themselves, have
underestimated the level and effects of both the physiological and psychological dimensions of
stress in the profession of firefighting. The vast majority of existing data is based off immediate
physical stress or the long-term stress of a single, predominantly traumatic event or
circumstance. While these provide excellent insight into the strains firefighters face, they are
incapable of accounting for the potential cumulative effects of encountering such stressors over a
career of public service. Numerous studies show a strong correlation between chronic stress and
the exacerbation and causation of disease. Accordingly, the trend of firefighters dying
significantly younger than their general population counterparts has proven to be a complex issue
that demands further research. It is essential for steps to be taken to reduce the modifiable
stressors of the fire ground and educate firefighters on the inherent exposures of the job, the
impacts of those exposures, and how to deal with them. The culture of the fire service must
transform from an expectation of toughness to one of recognition, support, and mastery when
managing stress. We can begin to do this by advocating a proactive approach to stress debriefing,
fitness programs, hands-on training, and the maintenance of mental health. By doing so, we will
be able to make further advances on preserving the longevity and quality of the firefighters
serving our communities.