LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas researchers are working to address the mental health issues faced by first responders.
"They're exposed to things many of us are not and many of us don't realize," Dr. Sara Jones, assistant professor in the UAMS College of Nursing, said. "When they experience these, there's not much for them to do with what they've been exposed to."
In a survey of 220 Arkansas firefighters, paramedics and EMTs, 26 percent reported significant symptoms of PTSD, and 34 percent indicated high risk for suicide.
"They pretty much have their own culture," Jones said. "They are similar to a family in that they go through a lot of things together, but at the same time, when it comes to mental health they're not talking about it."
Jones is the wife of a firefighter/paramedic, who studies mental health services for emergency responders. In January, she received a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to fund her research.
"We have amazing services and mental health models out there to use, but I strongly feel they need modified and adapted to specifically fit this culture," Jones said.
Over the next two years, she wants to connect with firefighters, paramedics and EMTs across the state to discuss the issues they face and ultimately develop a mental health service model tailored specifically for their needs.
The Little Rock Fire Department is partnering with Jones, in hopes of establishing a mental wellness program within the department.
"We have noticed that we haven't done a real good job of getting our guys the help that they needed when they see some pretty bad stuff they see on a daily basis," LRFD Assistant Chief Douglas Coney said. "We've realized we need to get some folks in here to talk to them."
Firefighters' mental health is a priority for LRFD Chief Delphone Hubbard and Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr., according to Coney.
"If we can find ways to address those issues with our folks then we'll have healthier -- both mental and physical -- firefighters," Coney said.
Once her research is complete, Jones plans to present her findings to stakeholders across the state.
Jones is looking for volunteers to join focus groups and interviews. For more information, click here to visit the study's website or email Jones at SLJones@uams.edu.