A presentation informing clinicians about fire service culture, with the goal of equipping clinicians with working knowledge of duties of the job, common diagnoses, common treatments, and logistics when treating firefighters.
Published in Chapter:
Bridging the Gaps: Toward Effective Collaboration Between Peer Supporters and Behavioral Health Professionals
Fatima Dobani (Baylor Scott & White Health, USA), Michelle L. Pennington (Baylor Scott & White Health, USA), Elizabeth Coe (Baylor Scott & White Health, USA), Patrick Morrison (International Association of Fire Fighters, USA), and Suzy Bird Gulliver (Baylor Scott & White Health, USA)
Copyright: © 2020
|Pages: 15
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-9803-9.ch011
Abstract
Peer support, as part of a recovery-oriented approach to treatment, is a valuable resource across various clinical and nonclinical populations. Specifically, in fire service, peer support may bridge the gap between firefighters' behavioral health needs and access to professional services. The current chapter summarizes the literature on peer support utility, presents data on barriers to treatment, and describes the roles clinicians can fill in partnering with fire service peer support to enhance the quality and reach of behavioral health services offered to fire service personnel. Finally, future research directions are outlined to continue the conversation about how to improve collaborations between peer supporters, clinicians, and others working to support the needs and strengths of firefighters.