Firefighters are exposed to highly
stressful environments, often witnessing multiple traumatic events throughout
their careers. The cumulation of stress and traumas firefighters are exposed to
have left many in the profession with physical and psychological injuries, and
with such injuries left untreated, can lead to lifelong suffering or suicide.
The primary objectives for this research investigate firefighter occupational
stress, peer support, and attitudes towards help-seeking for mental health in
the hopes to fill in gaps understanding why firefighters continue to suffer in
silence. Employing a mixed-methods research design, a survey questionnaire was
collected from 254 firefighters from a large fire department in British
Columbia, Canada. Consistent with the existing literature, findings suggest
that the levels of peer support mitigated occupational stress, that is, those
who reported higher levels of peer support also reported lower occupational
stress levels. Firefighters provided information on what types of support they
prefer according to the types and severity of stressors. Suggestions from the
respondents provide information on how barriers to receiving help, such as
stigma, may be addressed at the organizational level. Implications and
recommendations for interventions addressing stigma and help-seeking amongst
firefighters are discussed.
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