Life-Altering Events: Disabling Injuries

by Peggy Sweeney
   There is an epidemic sweeping this country that is finally getting the attention it deserves. Injuries and deaths among emergency response workers are at an all time high. Recent studies have shown that firefighters in the United States have an estimated fatality rate of 12.7 percent per 100,000 workers, more than twice the national average1. According to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006 the fatality rate for firefighters was 16.6 percent of all occupational fatalities2. Emergency response workers “are more likely than other workers to die violently—from gunshots, vehicle accidents, and fire-related incidents. Their risk of suffering a fatal incident is three times greater than for all workers.3”    Patients under the influence of narcotics or alcohol, family members of the victim or bystanders may threaten them with knives, guns, physical assault, or verbal abuse. They are constantly exposed to the dangers of communicable diseases such as Hepatitis and AIDS. Occupational injuries such as back strain from lifting patients and hearing loss due to loud sirens are routine in their line of work. Recently more and more injuries and deaths are occurring because firefighters and EMS workers are not wearing their seatbelts. Government agencies including the United States Public Health Service and Department of Labor as well as the National Transportation and Safety Board are finally addressing these incidents of job-related injuries and deaths and making recommendations to protect their safety and health.
   Although personal protective equipment is protocol for firefighters and pre-hospital caregivers, studies reveal that additional safeguards for the health and safety of these workers need to be standardized. Mandatory classes in the safe operation of emergency vehicles as well as self-defense and strength building programs will further reduce death and injuries. These same studies have encouraged all fire and emergency service directors to take an active role in protecting the health and wellness of their staff.
   What effect can a disabling injury or illness have on the mental and emotional well being of someone in the emergency response community? How can someone cope with the trauma of a permanent disability that prevents him or her from performing their duties as a firefighter or EMS professional? What can you do to prepare yourself should a tragedy such as this happen to you? These are some of the issues addressed in this article.
   As providers of care, we have talents most civilians do not. We thrive on the good feelings of a job well done when we are able to make a difference in someone’s life. Each of us made a conscious decision to become a firefighter or emergency service provider because we wanted to help others in distress. We do not take our calling lightly but rather seek to be the best we can be. When one of us suffers a physical injury or life-threatening illness that takes away the very thing that gives meaning to our life we grieve. This type of loss is similar to having someone we love die. We may experience many of the same feelings and emotions that we do when we are bereaved. We believe that our role in society as caregiver or firefighter helps to define who we are and our value as a person. In other words our self-worth. When this defining element is eliminated due to a permanent disability, we may think that we are less of a person or no longer of value to our family or the community we served.
   No one should take life for granted. In the blink of an eye your future can be forever changed. What if something unforeseen happened that would prevent you from fulfilling your planned role in life? What would you do? How would you reinvest in life following a catastrophic injury or illness? God willing you will never be faced with a crisis of this magnitude. However, it is important that you take the time now, while you are healthy, to explore your options if a tragedy happened. Center your choices on your talents. Choose a career that will give you the same feelings of accomplishment that you have now in emergency service. Never forget that there will always be someone who needs you. There are many people in your community who would benefit from your help and expertise. If you make decisions with an open mind and a loving heart, I have no doubt that if you are ever faced will a disabling injury that the choices you have thought about now will enable you to heal physically and emotionally.
   If you are one of the many professionals that have suffered a disabling injury, I hope my words will offer comfort and help in coping with your loss. As you begin to heal physically, you will need to heal emotionally as well. You may feel at times that you are riding a roller coaster. Up one day and down into despair the next. This is normal. You may experience anger because fate has stepped in and robbed you of so much. Surround yourself with family members and friends who will provide a positive outlook for your future. Draw upon your inner strengths. You have always had goals and dreams. As a result of your disability your goals and dreams for life will need to be redefined or altered. This does not mean that you are less of a person in any way. You will need to accept your limitations and accommodate your life to fit your disability. You can and will remain a valuable asset to your family and community.
   In conclusion, I strongly believe that emergency response administrators should make every effort to allow disabled firefighters and EMS personnel to participate in the day-to-day activities of the department should they so desire. Although these men and women may be unable to fulfill their former responsibilities they still have much to offer. Their knowledge base is invaluable to new members of the departments. They can lend assistance to the staff in many areas including moral support following a stressful emergency call. Do not overlook these opportunities. You will be helping them not only recover emotionally from their injuries but more importantly you will be offering them an outlet to regain their feelings of self-worth.

Copyright 2004 Peggy Sweeney. All rights reserved.

1 Maguire BJ, Hunting KL, Smith GS, Levick NR. Occupational fatalities in emergency medical
services: a hidden crisis. Ann Emerg Med 2002;40:625—32.

2 U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational
Injuries, 2006.

3 Clarke, C. & Zak, M. (1999). Fatalities to law enforcement officers and firefighters, 1992-97.
Washington, D.C.: United State Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.


About the Author: Peggy is a bereavement educator and formerly a firefighter, EMT-B, and a mortician. She has conducted numerous workshops and support groups that offer help to families and professionals coping with life-altering events. Her seminars address difficult topics such as grief, divorce, abuse, long-term illness, and the quality of life. A special program entitled Grieving Behind the Badge deals with the emotional wellness of firefighters and other emergency response professionals and their families. You may contact Peggy through e-mail at peggy@sweeney-alliance or by calling 830.895.5759 to request a brochure.