Share the Load™ Resources
Behavioral health is a subject not often talked about in the fire service, but it affects every department and emergency responder in some way or other. The NVFC, through its Share the Load™ Support Program, has developed a series of resources to help educate and train first responders about the importance of behavioral health and provide resources, tips, and tools to help departments, first responders, and families address these issues.
What to Expect: A Guide for Family Members of Volunteer Firefighters
Joining the volunteer fire service means a lifestyle change not only for the individual volunteer, but also for their entire family. To help family members navigate the volunteer fire service life, the NVFC partnered with FirefighterWife.com to create this resource for spouses, children, parents, siblings, and significant others of volunteer and paid-on-call responders. It introduces family members to the basics of the volunteer firefighter life, provides guidance for keeping family relationships strong and being part of the fire department family, and contains an array of tips and resources to help first responder families adjust to this lifestyle.
Order print copies of this guide in the NVFC store. NVFC members can receive 25 free copies of the guide using the discount code available on the Member Benefits page in the Member’s-Only site.
This report explores various firefighter/EMS behavioral health concerns and identifies resources and best practices for mental wellness and suicide prevention in the fire and emergency services. It also includes data from a behavioral health survey conducted by the NVFC. In addition to the report, a webinar providing an overview of the report and survey is also available.
Fire Department Assessment and Communication after a Firefighter or EMT Suicide
This document provides tips to help regional, state, and national association representatives communicate with department leadership and personnel to help them deal with grief and build relationships following a firefighter or emergency responder suicide.
Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments Toolkit and Training
This implementation toolkit and supplemental training is designed to help department leaders create a psychologically healthy fire department that promotes and fosters wellbeing among their members and creates a successful, high-performing department.
Directory of Behavioral Health Professionals
This directory lists local providers who are equipped and ready to help firefighters, EMS providers, rescue workers, dispatchers, and their families.
Course: First Responder Resilience – How to Bounce Back
This course is about the process of adapting well in the face of adversity and trauma. Resilience is a crucial ability for first responders to help them stay in the game and retire emotionally and physically healthy. Modules cover six key skills based on ground-breaking science as well as how to lead a resilient fire department. This course is available through the NVFC’s Virtual Classroom and is free to NVFC members.
Course: Preventing and Coping with Suicide in the Fire and Emergency Services
This course examines the signs and symptoms preceding suicide, highlights available resources for departments and individuals, and discusses the healing process when coping with a firefighter suicide. This course is available through the NVFC’s Virtual Classroom and is free to NVFC members.
Course: Behavioral Health for the Fire Service
This course examines the cultural progress, future potential, and concerns surrounding behavioral health in the fire and emergency services. A variety of tools, resources, and programs to help those in need are also covered. This course is available through the NVFC’s Virtual Classroom and is free to NVFC members.
Course: Addressing Substance Abuse, PTSD, and Other Concerns in the Fire Service
This course examines PTSD and types of substance abuse frequently seen in the fire service, how PTSD can relate to substance abuse, and how to get help through the NVFC’s Share the Load Program. This course is available through the NVFC’s Virtual Classroom and is free to NVFC members.
Course: Stress and Life Management – Finding Your Balance as a Volunteer
This course looks at all the roles a volunteer firefighter plays throughout their lives. From your role as an employee to spouse to parent to firefighter, how do you emphasize the importance, purpose, and balance of each role? Learn strategies for prioritizing each aspect of your life to help you achieve balance and time management. This course is available through the NVFC’s Virtual Classroom and is free to NVFC members.
Course: For Those Who Love a First Responder
Families can be a great source of support for fire, EMS, and rescue workers, so it is important they understand what their loved one is experiencing and how they can help. This course educates families and friends of first responders on the impacts of the job on mental health and what they can do to support their loved one. This course is available through the NVFC’s Virtual Classroom and is free to all for a limited time.
