CopShock: Second Edition
Surviving Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

by Allen R. Kates, MFAW, BCECR



 Fire Fighters

 

CopShock is a book about police officers, but it is hard not to recognize fire fighters as brothers and sisters in harm’s way. They experience PTSD just as much as police officers, and need the same consideration and support. Many fire fighters have read the first edition of this book and derived a lot from the stories and resources. In this second edition, the chapter about police officer turned firefighter Jimmy Brown and his experiences during 9/11
and its aftermath shows us the sacrifices that fire fighters make for our society, and how they suffer silently from trauma.

 

North American Fire Fighter Veteran Network (NAFFVN)
The NAFFVN addresses the needs and concerns of fire fighters who run into burning buildings when everybody else is running from them. Fire fighters experience PTSD at the same rate as police officers, which can be as high as one-third. Some say fire fighters exhibit more PTSD than cops. But fire fighters do not have many resources, and, like police, they have a culture that frowns on revealing feelings or saying they need help. This website intends to change that perspective.
   Prepared by Senior Chief Shannon H. Pennington, this website aims to provide a much needed resource so fire fighters and their families can learn about PTSD and its effects. It describes firefighter “self-care,” and the steps a fire fighter (or anyone) can take to make sure they don’t develop PTSD.
   Go to:
http://firefighterveteran.com. Phone: 250-812-3737.