Focusing on the well-being of their personnel, the Hopkinsville Fire Department has formed a peer support team in their department with the purpose of providing mental health support to those in need.
In a news release from HFD, they share that it’s no secret that first responders are witnesses to traumatic events and after years of service can experience post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and more.
The new peer support team will provide firefighters and EMTs with internal resources for immediate mental care support. On each shift at least two representatives from the team will be present for those in need.
HFD Chief, Steve Futrell says the implementation of the peer support team is another step they have made toward putting mental health at the forefront of everyone’s mind and ensuring that their personnel are safe. The creation of the team comes after the department brought a full-time chaplain on board last year.
The peer support team will also assist volunteer emergency response agencies in Christian County.
Photos courtesy of the Hopkinsville Police Department