SAFRE 2018

Students will learn methods to prevent suicide by learning its traceable causes. Individual, company level, and departmental methods for prevention will be explained. Suicide tragically results when the decedent incorrectly concludes their death could be a service to others. While there are numerous causes of suicide, there are a few common risk factors that can be identified early to help with intervention. Social isolation and withdrawing from others is one of the greatest risk factors.

Dr. Joiner developed a model for explaining suicidal behavior. He demonstrates that suicide occurs when 3 factors intersect: thwarted sense of belonging, perception that he/she is a burden, and capacity to engage in lethal action. Remove one of these factors, and the risk for suicide is reduced. The causes that lead to fire service suicide are varied and can be work-related, personal, or a combination. Resources like peer support and treatment to prevent maladaptive coping will be explained.

Key objectives are:
• Suicide as a dark secret in the fire service
• Risk factors for suicide
• Protective factors associated with prevention, and methods of stress management
• Company officer / department responsibilities

Dr. Joiner's Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS) model, consisting of only three constructs, is discussed in detail through case review and various risk factors. A picture of understanding is painted throughout the course so that prevention can be recognized.

The class is delivered as a lecture utilizing PowerPoint, video, and student feedback. The class outlines factors involved in fire service suicide and discusses strategies for detection and prevention. These strategies focus on all aspects involved in the fire service: probationary, firefighters, company officers, mental health professionals, and departmental guidelines. The key to suicide prevention is understanding it's tractable causes.

Oftentimes, these are more easily understood through discussing case study of firefighters in crisis. Explaining their trajectories serves to demonstrate how easily one can reach crisis and the power of admitting when you need a little extra help. Demonstrating the power of help seeking behavior as a form of prevention is key. A significant portion of the class is utilized to explain Dr. Thomas Joiner's Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS). This model has stood up to over 20 empirical tests and simply paints a picture.