The Atlas Project
Fire Department personnel are subject to exposure of extreme human suffering, strong emotional involvement, sporadic high intensity situations, shift work, and extended work periods. These factors impose high stress levels on fire personnel. The need for behavioral health support services continues to grow in the fire service. Along with many of the traditional clinical programs, a shift to what could be characterized as nontraditional, has proven to be beneficial; canine comfort and therapy services.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the human-canine bond is influenced by emotional, psychological and physical interactions that are essential to the well-being of both humans and dogs. Some hypotheses state that if we see animals at rest or in a peaceful state, this may signal humans to safety, security and feelings of well-being.
The International Association of Firefighters released a 2016 report stating “firefighters experience post-traumatic stress disorder at rates similar to what’s seen among combat veterans. Almost 20% of firefighters and paramedics had PTSD, compared with the general population’s rate of 3.5%. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration believes this number to be closer to 30%. The Ruderman Family Foundation released a report in early 2018 stating “more firefighters died by suicide in 2017 than all of line of duty deaths combined.” The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance estimates that approximately 40% of firefighter suicides are actually reported.
Sacramento Fire has asked, and Warfighter Overwatch has committed to support Sacramento Fire in their efforts to provide a specially trained therapeutic K9's to firehouses in our region. We are currently supporting the first two K9's which will be placed with their handler in just a few short months. Please help us help the helpers.