Veteran's Affairs Wellness Kit: Discussions with fire fighters.

The purpose of this research was to answer the question What support do firefighters and their partners feel they need for the prevention and treatment of fire rescue occupational stress'? Phase One of the research was a reflexive auto-ethnography of the researcher during presentation of a workshop based on the Veteran Affair's Wellness Kit to the local fire rescue members. Phase Two consisted of personal interviews of the fire rescue members and their partners. The workshop format was positively accepted, and well attended. Interviews revealed findings with positives from the job, issues with safety, stress, technology usage, and training. Training in several areas was suggested for improvement as well as the continuing discussion of behavioural health. A broad holistic view of stress that institutes overall cultural and organizational changes to support stress prevention is recommended. Firefighters and their partners believed the level of support within the fire department sufficient for the prevention and treatment of occupational stress. The literature and the researcher's own experience suggest their recognition of occupational stress is insufficient and discussions with firefighters and their partners regarding behavioural health needs to continue. --P. ii.