Austin Firefighters Call for Action on Mental Health Struggles

City Leaders Respond to Firefighter Suicide with Proposed Policy Changes

City leaders are calling for changes to address the mental health struggles of Austin firefighters in the wake of a firefighter's suicide this year, marking a tragic trend in recent years, as shared by Austin Fire Association President Bob Nicks at a press conference.

"We need your help...they see [terrible, horrific events] every day, sometimes several times a day."
-- Bob Nicks, Austin Fire Association President

Councilmembers Ryan Alter, Mackenzie Kelly, and Alison Alter showed their support by proposing measures to provide relief to the department. National studies show firefighters have higher rates of PTSD and suicide than the general population, often due to the constant exposure to highly stressful and traumatic events.

Firefighter Mental Health Crisis

• A 2016 study found >20% of firefighters/paramedics will experience PTSD during their careers, > 3x the rate of the general population.
• Sleep disorders, exacerbating mental health issues, are also common due to increasing workload and resulting sleep deprivation.
• Austin firefighters work 53-hour weeks, often requiring overtime to ensure full staffing, affecting work-life balance.

Proposed Solutions

• Councilmember Kelly called for honoring the fallen firefighter by taking action to support others, addressing both professional and personal struggles.
• Councilmember Alison Alter proposed budget items for next year, including:
  • Up to 10 weeks of paid parental leave for firefighters, an increase from the current 6 weeks.
  • A study on reducing firefighter workload and overtime usage, directing the city manager to examine benefits.
• To reduce 53-hour workweeks to 52, Ryan Alter proposed an additional cadet class to increase firefighter numbers, providing rest and family time.
• Nicks pushed for a new schedule with 72 hours off after a shift, allowing for improved mental well-being, but this requires more firefighter hires.
• The focus is also on breaking down the stigma of mental health, as all 4 late Austin firefighters receiving help showed the need for further action.

Breaking the Stigma

Amanda Bennett, an Austin Fire Lieutenant, survived a suicide attempt and knows 6 people who died by suicide, 4 from Austin. She likened the stress to a frog boiling in water, unaware until it's too late.

"Most of us will tell you we love our job...but remaining compassionate and showing up...takes a toll...I want to destigmatize and celebrate the strength it takes to admit...you need help."
-- Amanda Bennett, Austin Fire Lieutenant

If you or a loved one is struggling, call the national suicide hotline at 988.