Read 988, Disaster in the Making HERE.

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"Firefighters helping firefighters and their families"

"Firefighters helping firefighters and their families" "Firefighters helping firefighters and their families"
https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/1481467382-aa02b7f4efb9a850a0d0ed12386dcf001f7b22cfa6beee13337fa72ba6650f6d-d
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Crisis and Conversation, Clinical Help

The Upper Room Crisis Hotline

Aspire Center for Positive Change

Aspire Center for Positive Change

24/7 Hotline for all needs. Conversation, mental health, spiritual challenges. Call (888) 80-TURCH.

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Aspire Center for Positive Change

Aspire Center for Positive Change

Aspire Center for Positive Change

Clinical care for firefighters and their families. Call (815) 353-3122.

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Westside Children's Therapy

Westside Children's Therapy

Westside Children's Therapy

Multi-aspect children's care. Call (815) 469-1500.

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Thriveworks Counseling

Westside Children's Therapy

Westside Children's Therapy

Clinical care for firefighters, retirees, families, Joliet residents. Call (779) 246-3557

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988: disaster in the making. Questions anD ANSWERS

Please reach us at INFO@JFDPEERSUPPORT.COM if you cannot find an answer to your question.

The contents of the Federal Public Law 116-172 establish the 988-telephone system through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), describing the line as it relates to suicide and its creation in coordination with the currently existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). The 988-phone system is one of the core elements of the newly proposed community crisis response system outlined in the SAMHSA document and includes regional or statewide call centers coordinating in real-time; centrally deployed, 24/7 mobile crisis response; 23-hour crisis receiving and stabilization programs; and essential crises care principles and practices (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2020).


***ISSUES***

Unfortunately, the funding for this project was obviously under-estimated. A new bill before Congress is currently asking for BILLIONS in taxpayer funds to pay for this system.


This plan falls short in several areas. First, there are currently 180 crisis centers in the nation which are in the NSPL network – staffing in the individual centers is unknown. The SPL indicates that the line received over 1 million calls in 2021 (this is approximately 5,700 per center, per year – 32 calls per day, per center, 1.3 calls per hour, per center, every day of the year). Recall that the NSPL is intended for suicide, not other crisis situations as proposed by 988. 


Additionally, there only six crisis center locations located in Illinois. According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In 2021 there were 84,974 calls to the NSPL originating in Illinois. The in-state centers answered just 20% of those calls in-state. The remaining 80% were transferred out of state. This begs the question, what percentage will be answered in Illinois when all crisis situations are added? How will calls be screened to ensure the most in jeopardy callers are given the help they need? How much funding will be required to make this a sustainable reality?  


Unfortunately, the clinical staffing mentioned in the SAMHSA document seems unlikely due to current and future shortages of mental health clinical practitioners nationwide. Under the best of conditions, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projections indicate 2025 shortages of 16,940 mental health and substance abuse social workers; 13,740 school counselors; 8,220 clinical, counseling, and school psychologists; 6,080 psychiatrists; and 2,440 marriage and family therapists (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [US HHS],  2016). This totals over 47,000 clinicians of different specialties and these numbers were published in 2016, long before COVID-19 and the increased presence of mental health awareness within our communities. To wit, it is clear that a planned large-scale clinical presence at these call centers is not likely to be successful.


Another severe issue with this plan is the ability for the crisis line to have rapid enough contact with emergency 911 call centers to request response of emergency personnel to scenes of mental health and crisis scenes which may be law enforcement or medical calls.  Of substantial concern is the potential medical aspect of some of these calls. It is well known that various physical health issues and mental health issues may present similar symptomologies or may co-occur with them. Examples of this are difficulty in breathing, chest pain, abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, and a host of other issues. The clinical responders used in the proposed crisis line will presumably not be trained to assess a patient medically. This may delay recognition of potentially serious medical issues and increase the response time of emergency medical services (EMS), potentially resulting in tragic consequences.  


Finally, it seems as if the 988 system will be parallel to the 911 system, a system that has proven itself over decades of use, managing 240 million calls in the US annually. This parallel nature will cause delays in service, confusion and may result in negative impacts on patients during emergencies.  



The call center concept includes a crisis line that is available 24/7 and clinically staffed. The SAMHSA document details that the crisis line must meet the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Standards; to include a brief suicide assessment, an imminent risk policy, and appropriate follow-up (SAMHSA, 2020; National Suicide Prevention Lifeline [NSPL], n.d.). The current plan includes rebranding the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to the 988-Suicide Prevention and Crisis Response Hotline but retains its core element of suicide prevention and does not explain how the system will become a crisis line (which includes much more than suicide). They do, however make sure they discuss, in detail how to tax this service.


***ISSUES***

We agree that a crisis phone line is a critical component of this program. We recommend, however, that the program be integrated within the current 911 communication system, which has successfully dispatched emergency personnel to events for decades. The development of a new 988 system will only add to the confusion and potential for tragic events to occur due to lost calls, improper categorization of calls, and improper resources sent. 


In Joliet, this addition would include a trained crisis line operator within the 911 dispatch center. This crisis operator will be cross trained as an emergency medical dispatcher (EMD) and can work within or near the same workspace as 911 dispatchers, reducing the potential for missed opportunities for care. Further, the dispatchers will be trained in basic methods of crisis first aid, using the Crisis First Aid for Paramedics algorithm adapted for dispatchers. Licensed clinicians are not necessary to perform crisis intervention.  


The history of the 911 system is a long one. The first line was created in the 1960s and has taken over 50 years to become a standard for emergency response – it is now part of the fabric of America. Currently, 96% of the land area of the United States is covered by trained 911 dispatchers and many by Enhanced 911 systems, which includes other services. This system currently manages 240 million calls per year nation-wide and is known to the general public.  50 ILCS 750, the Emergency Telephone System Act, states that 911 will be established as the “primary emergency telephone number” in Illinois to allow quick response to those “seeking police, fire, medical, rescue, and other emergency services.” One could make the argument that crisis intervention falls into the other emergency services category and should be serviced by 911. Section 4 of the law indicates that 911 shall include police, fire, and ambulance, but may also include other emergencies as well.  The law already provides for safeties, redundancies, and other reliability assurances to ensure the system maintains reliable service and keeps pace with emerging technologies.  


The State of Illinois, has a post consolidation total of 394 active dispatch centers for emergency response (FCC). The 84,974 calls placed in Illinois to the NSPL (mentioned earlier) would translate into an average of 216 calls per year to each of the existing dispatch centers, less than one additional call per day, per center (0.59 calls). Also, with shored staffing and brief crisis training, dispatch center personnel are well suited to perform professional crisis intervention on the telephone – it is a natural fit for them. The 988-system transferal is duplicative and uses valuable resources that may be better used elsewhere. Unfortunately, dispatch centers were not considered stakeholders when 988 legislation was considered and passed.  Finally, many behavioral health patients, their families, and bystanders already call 911 when behavioral issues occur. People in most areas are familiar with the 911 system and it may be their default resource in behavioral events. 

The SAMHSA document also describes the mobile crisis teams as being able to reach any person in the service area at their home, workplace, or any other community-based location in a timely manner (SAMHSA, 2020). The term timely is not defined. These mobile crisis teams include a licensed and/or credentialed clinician who will respond to the person’s location and connect individuals to facility-based care as needed through warm handoffs.  According to the SAMHSA document, best practices for the Mobile Crisis Teams include incorporating trained peers (those with lived experience), responding without law enforcement presence (unless special circumstances warrant), real-time GPS and geolocation technology in partnership with the region’s crisis call center, and the ability to schedule outpatient follow-up appointments in a manner synonymous with a warm handoff.  


The challenges with this plan are many, and some may be life-threateningly dangerous. First, as we discussed earlier, the severe national shortage of clinical care professionals for mental health issues will be a major obstacle in staffing these units. Second, the areas and populations involved to be covered can be quite large, and response times may be very high. An example of this can be found in Will County, Illinois. According to census documents, the land area of Will County, Illinois, exceeds 800 mi.², and the population is just under 700,000 (US Census Bureau, 2020). As a point of comparison, the entire state of Rhode Island is just over 1500 mi.², and the population of the State of Wyoming is under 600,000 (US Census Bureau, 2020). Next, the definition of timely is quite important, especially when the potential exists for the patient to be experiencing a physical and possibly life-threatening issue such as stroke, heart attack, or other issue. It is clear that substantial delays in response may occur, which may result in police and EMS response to these calls.  Importantly, this as of yet unavailable credentialed clinician will ostensibly respond to the scene (person’s home, work, etc.) and perform crisis intervention. It seems clear in the SAMHSA document that the person they are performing crisis intervention with will not become a long-term client of the responder. This proposed process poses several challenges including the safety of the responders and makes certain assumptions about the location of the person being conducive to crisis intervention.  


This is further complicated by the desire to remove police presence from the response is a recipe for disaster. Many of the crisis response units will be unfamiliar with the various areas to which they respond. This includes high crime areas and other potentially dangerous environments with which police, fire, and ambulance crews are familiar. The SAMHSA document discusses the coordination with emergency responders as necessary; however, this is much easier said than done in the real world. Many first responder agencies have unique communication methods that do not transfer over municipal or town boundaries, leaving the mental health units unable to communicate their needs rapidly, especially in an emergency. 


We also agree that initial crisis care is critical to the well-being of our citizens. Instead, however of creating another structure in the form of Mobile Crisis Response units, using clinicians which it has been shown do not and will not exist to handle calls for service, a program is far more likely to be successful if a functioning system and personnel are already in place. This system is made up of local fire departments. According to the US Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association, there are over 1,100 registered fire departments in Illinois and 38 in Will County alone, including the Joliet Fire Department (JFD). Of the 1,100 fire departments in Illinois, 80% provide basic life support (BLS) or advanced life support (ALS) care using EMT-B and Paramedic personnel. Nationally, there are 1.15 million active firefighters.

In our area, these facilities do not exist and there is no provision for funding them. Currently, the City of Joliet is completing negotiations with Thriveworks, a company with contracted mental health professional services which offers quick clinical appointment times.  They have access to 3,500 clinical care professionals. The City of Joliet is considering entering into an agreement with them to provide clinical care for residents in need, including those uninsured or underinsured who may have difficulty securing services). This will enable those without clinical care or those unhappy with their current clinical care to seek out new clinical professionals and connect with them within 48 hours (in both in-person and telehealth formats). The paramedic can help the patient make appointments with the clinician of their choice within the system

Nope.

They do it. Every. Single. Day.


Essential crises care principles and practices are a critical component of the National Guidelines document, but principles and practices are not explained to any great degree. This becomes important when determining which agencies may perform crisis care in the field.   


Many formulae exist for crisis management. Slaikeu (Comprehensive Model for Crisis Intervention), Flannery and Everly (, Aguilera, James and Gilliand, Greenstone and Leviton, and Kanel (A-B-C Model), and Cavaiola and Clifford (L-A-P-C Model) have all put forth crisis intervention models at some point. Robert’s Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model is arguably the best known of several crisis intervention models that describe the needs of those experiencing crisis. The seven stages include:  

1. Crisis Assessment: Stressors, coping skills, available resources. 

2. Establish Rapport: Supportive relationship.

3. Identify issues: Gain information about the cause of the crisis. 

4. Deal with feelings: Active, supportive listening. 

5. Explore alternatives: Previous, new coping. 

6. Create a plan: May include many components from referrals to hospitals. 

7. Follow-up: Check-in for status (Roberts & Ottens, 2005). 


The members of the Joliet Fire Department are trained in Crisis First Aid for Paramedics.


One does not have to be a clinician to do this. In fact, there are many programs out there that teach this process to the general public. 

THE JFPSG YOUTH GROUP

JFPSG Youth Group

JFD Chaplain Br. Ed Arambasich has established the JFPSG Youth Group. This group has been developed for children and grandchildren (aged 10-17) of firefighters and retirees and provides a supportive atmosphere and opportunity for community service. Please contact Br. Ed if you are interested in participating at (815) 409-8705 or jfdchap@gmail.com.

I judge you unfortunate because you have never lived through misfortune, you have passed through life without an opponent - no one can ever know what you are capable of, not even you.

Seneca the Younger 4 BCE - 65 CE

The JFPSG is here to help

Preplanning

Preplanning

Preplanning

This is the phase where distress tolerance is built. Techniques such as stress inoculation training, visualization of critical incidents, and cue-based breathing exercises may enable the firefighter to reduce the impact of the event when it occurs. Preparedness is the key.

Suppression

Preplanning

Preplanning

Responders are often "too busy" to worry about stress management. - there is too much to be done. The firefighter will be better prepared if the rebuild phase is properly done. The firefighter will be able to endure more distress as a result and may suffer fewer negative effects later.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation

When the event is over, it is hoped that the built distress tolerance will have reduced the impact of the event. Some incidents, however, will inevitably have an effect on some responders. This is where coping strategies and resilience come in. Robust coping strategies are a must for these situations. Common coping mechanisms include distraction with hobbies and other activities, seeking meaning in work, and seeking social support.

Critique

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation

When we have recovered from an event, it is time to evaluate our response and determine ways to improve it for the next event. This may include developing more or better distress tolerance techniques to mitigate the effects of the next exposure, being better prepared during the response phase through training, or exploring more robust coping strategies for use post-event.

It's NEVER too late! There is help! there is hope!

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Please call us if you have any questions (855) JFD-PEER

This video contains a synopsis of 2021 and some common-sense approaches to improving mental health. We encourage spouses, loved ones, and families of active and retired members to become curious about your firefighter's career. You are the first line of defense against suicide and other preventable mental health issues. 

"Coping in crisis" - Sr. Mary Frances Seeley, Ph.d.

Sr. Mary Frances Seeley, Ph.D., suicidologist for the Joliet Firefighters Peer Support Group has provided real, common sense advice for managing stress using individual coping strategies. Check out her presentation.

Joliet Fire Dept.

The JFPSG proudly serves the active members, retirees, and families of the City of Joliet Fire Department in Joliet, Illinois. Thank you present and past JFD members for your support and good work.

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JFPSG Mission and Vision Statements

JFPSG Mission Statement

The Joliet Firefighters Peer Support believes that the path to Joliet Firefighter mental and emotional health begins with firefighters, clinicians, clergy, and public officials working together to provide support, education, and connection to resources to our firefighters and their families. The public can depend on firefighters. Firefighters can depend on their peer support network.

JFPSG Vision Statement

A Fire Department where all Joliet Firefighters and their families are holistically cared for by their peer network regarding all forms of mental and emotional health.

People Who Care

We are a volunteer organization that has the best interest of firefighters in mind.  Our firefighters have been trained to the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Peer Support standards and are prepared to provide quality peer support.

Common Challenges for First Responders

Suicide

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Suicide in the fire service has surpassed line of duty deaths (LODD) in firefighters.   According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 48 firefighter LODD in 2019.  Compare this to 119 firefighter suicides.

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Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

SUD is a common issue within the first responder community.  Current research suggests that those in fire service engage in binge drinking at almost double the rate of the general public. Other issues include improper use of depressants and stimulants.

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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD symptoms include intrusion, avoidance, negative cognition and mood, and alteration in arousal response. There are effective treatments for this disorder.

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Depression

Sleep Disorders

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Firefighters experience depressive disorders at more that twice the rate of the general public (17% vs 7%).  Depression is highly treatable. There are resources available to help.

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Family Issues

Sleep Disorders

Sleep Disorders

The firefighter is not the only one affected by this career choice.  Spouses, partners, significant others, children and even parents can all face challenges.

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Sleep Disorders

Sleep Disorders

Sleep Disorders

Ask mental health professionals and they will tell you that everything is related to sleep.  Many mental health (and physical) issues can be negatively affected by poor sleep.

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Divorce

Wellness

Wellness

Divorce can be a very stressful event in a firefighter's life. The Joliet Firefighters Peer Support Group has clinicians who specialize in pre-divorce couples and family counseling as well as post-divorce support.

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Wellness

Wellness

Wellness

Wellness is a critical element in the resiliency process.  There are many dimensions to wellness including physical, spiritual, emotional, and social.  

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Annual Report 2021

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Contact us with questions or comments. CALL or TEXT (855) JFD-PEER or email us.

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If you are experiencing a crisis or are suicidal...

Seek help NOW! There is HOPE! Call or text (855) JFD-PEER, 

Call or text the Upper Room Crisis Line (888) 808-8724,

Call or text Aspire Center for Positive Change (815) 353-3122.

101 East Clinton Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432, United States

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