Worked one with three people about the same way, It will get better for you it just takes time. I have worked several since and you just got to know that you are doing something good for the family.
Theresa, I just read your blog about your first fatality. Just thought I would let you know that those flash backs and dreams do eventually go away. It does take some time. Also talk to some one. Your department should have a Critical Incident Debrifing Team that are trained to help members of service deal with these kind of calls. Dealing with these types of calls are not always easy to deal with alone. You some times need to ask for help from trained people. I have been there and it took alot for me to get back on the saddle, but once I did I realized the ones we save will always out way the ones we lose. Also remember that as long as you do your best, then you should always feel good about the job you did. God bless and keep on responding.
Like Mikey said talk it out. CISD if you guys have it, if not your pastor, if you dont do church...find someone in the fire service who has been there.
We all have that REALLY bad one and it gets in there and wont go away...been there too, you just have to talk it out. You did what you could and as sad as it is, stupidity is job security.
Have a great nite and be safe
Allen
I have to say you ask a tuff question. It is not a case of making yourself stronger it is in a way making yourself come to terms with it and not bottle-ing it up. If you have been in this business awhile you will run a call that you can not get out of your head or you might even dream about and wonder if you could have done something different. The best advise I can give you is talk to your fire family and get it out. I am willing to bet it is bothering other members of your crew too. We have come a long way from the old days were we hide our feelings and look tuff. Hope this helps and if you need to talk look me up. I can say that a few years ago I had a call so bad that I almost walked away from this job. I am glad to say after getting help and getting it out I am still doing what I love. Best of Luck Mikey
HI Theresa,
You can't make yourself stronger. You can try to accept that certain things just happen and sometimes it's beyond your control.
Being able ot feel is a good thing, it makes your empathic and that's a strength in itself.
If the dreams and images linger too long or start to affect your life; you may want to talk to a CISD person or a physchologist or consider stepping away from this profession...Just my two cents worth..
Theresa's Comments
Comment Wall (84 comments)
You need to be a member of My Firefighter Nation to add comments!
Join My Firefighter Nation
Have a very safe holiday
Free Comments & Graphics
Like Mikey said talk it out. CISD if you guys have it, if not your pastor, if you dont do church...find someone in the fire service who has been there.
We all have that REALLY bad one and it gets in there and wont go away...been there too, you just have to talk it out. You did what you could and as sad as it is, stupidity is job security.
Have a great nite and be safe
Allen
I have to say you ask a tuff question. It is not a case of making yourself stronger it is in a way making yourself come to terms with it and not bottle-ing it up. If you have been in this business awhile you will run a call that you can not get out of your head or you might even dream about and wonder if you could have done something different. The best advise I can give you is talk to your fire family and get it out. I am willing to bet it is bothering other members of your crew too. We have come a long way from the old days were we hide our feelings and look tuff. Hope this helps and if you need to talk look me up. I can say that a few years ago I had a call so bad that I almost walked away from this job. I am glad to say after getting help and getting it out I am still doing what I love. Best of Luck Mikey
You can't make yourself stronger. You can try to accept that certain things just happen and sometimes it's beyond your control.
Being able ot feel is a good thing, it makes your empathic and that's a strength in itself.
If the dreams and images linger too long or start to affect your life; you may want to talk to a CISD person or a physchologist or consider stepping away from this profession...Just my two cents worth..
Welcome to
My Firefighter Nation
Sign Up
or Sign In
Or sign in with:
FireRescue Magazine
• Subscribe to our e-Newsletters
Find Members Fast
Or Name, Dept, Keyword
• Not a Member? Join Now