The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
Death
Who has a problem dealing with death? Don't be shy, don't be embarrassed, don't not feel, "Ugh, I am man!," in admitting it, speak up! We've all seen it, in its many gruesome and peaceful forms, some not as much as others. And then there's those yet to experience it, :clears throat: the juniors, the explorers, the new recruits and the freshly appointed probies.
We have our way of dealing with it at my department, making sure everyone is ok, along with the local private ambulance companies we work closely with.
I deal with it, I speak up and out about the incident involving the fatality, I let out my emotions. I'm a pretty tough guy, yet I'm also one that wears my emotions half out on my sleeve. My problem, my problem is, I see the person's(persons) face for days on end. With eyes wide open, or shut, I still see that face.
We have our way of dealing with it at my department, making sure everyone is ok, along with the local private ambulance companies we work closely with.
I deal with it, I speak up and out about the incident involving the fatality, I let out my emotions. I'm a pretty tough guy, yet I'm also one that wears my emotions half out on my sleeve. My problem, my problem is, I see the person's(persons) face for days on end. With eyes wide open, or shut, I still see that face.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Glen Garland on
-
Oldman I'm with you completely. For me it's the smells I remember more than sights or sounds typically, but not always. I have been doing this for 3 decades and have the gray hairs to prove it but no matter the time that passes there are certain calls that will never leave the memory bank. Doing CPR on a 32 yoa cocaine OD w/ christmas carols playing on the radio in the background and his 6 yos daughter there on christmas morning is one, holding an elderly persons hand as they pass away peacefully at home, explaining to a wife of 57 yrs that her husband has passed, extricating a good friend's son's lifeless body from a mangled car 2 nights after his high school graduation along with 5 of his friends, removing burned bodies from fire scenes, seeing the shock, panic and grief on a parents face as we work on their lifeless infant, coding a parent, LODD, suicides, murders, accidents and the list goes on. Working in a small community has many benefits but also some drawbacks and dealing w/ friends, family members, and coworkers at a death scene can all take their toll. The most important thing to remember is to talk it out and don't leave it to fester inside. Talk to your chaplain, clergy, friends, CISD team, whatever it takes but don't leave it unresolved. When I started in this business it was send the proby in to pick up the body to see if he or she could take it. I've tried the "manup, tough it out" approach w/o success and must say I feel this is one area where the emergency services have made great strides in the last 20 or so yrs. I couldn't agree more with the last statement...if you stop feeling emotions for the victims...hang it up. Each person needs to deal with the horrific sights, sounds and smells in their own way but as the gray haired coworkers and supervisors we need to ensure that our folks deal w/ it appropriately and not leave it unresolved. TCSS
-
Permalink Reply by Derek R. on
-
Seems like there's a common idea here. Talk it out with someone. Either someone in the house, a friend you trust, family at home, church, or even professional if that's what it comes down to. Just don't think that you will be able to hold it all in if it gets to you in the ways you've mentioned. They will continue to pile up. I've talked to darn near everyone I know about the motorcycle accident, and now I'm fine with it. I've talked it out. I can still tell you details, but that's it, ..it's just a story now. And those who have the ability to block it all out, I congratulate you and I hope it stays that way for you.
So, yah Doug,..."man up" and go talk about it if it's bothering you.
It's snowing out now pretty hard right now, and I'm going to take my dog for a walk.
Keep sane and have fun.
-
Permalink Reply by Doug on
-
Haha, nothing is currently bothering me. I just started this thread to get an idea of what other folks do, and to let others know to do something if something is bothering them.
-
Permalink Reply by afd29 on
-
we all must deal with the fact that somtime or another we are goin to see it whether or not it is in a peacefull manor or the worst possible way. we had some really bad incidents and we have a good command structure to help us deal with the aftermath of emotations. they have agreement with local government to get help for those who my need consouling.
- ‹ Previous
- 1
- 2
- Next ›
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
