Leading with Strength: First Responder Leadership in the Face of Mental Health Challenges

First responders - firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical technicians - operate in high-stress, high-stakes environments. They witness tragedy, face physical and emotional exhaustion, and often carry the weight of life-and-death decisions. As the conversation around mental health gains traction, first responder leadership must evolve to meet the needs of those in their charge on the front lines.

The Mental Health Crisis in First Responders

"Mental Readiness" - Paul Combs

The nature of first responder work exposes individuals to traumatic events at a frequency that far exceeds that of the general population. Studies indicate that first responders are at a significantly higher risk for PTSD/PTSI, depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. They have yet to provide clear information on the prevalence of PTSD/PTSI. Estimates show that the average person will experience up to five (5) traumatic events during their lifetime. While first responders may be exposed to five (5) traumatic events or more over a six (6) month period. Despite these risks, many still hesitate to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental wellness and health.

The Role of Leadership Supporting Mental Wellness and Health

Effective leadership in first responder agencies is more than just operational efficiency—it requires a proactive approach to self-development programs. Leaders set the tone for workplace culture, and their stance on mental wellness and health can determine whether personnel feel safe seeking support. Focusing on individual growth, addressing challenges collaboratively, and fostering a shared sense of purpose. The following strategies provide an overview of the tools and frameworks utilized.

Key Strategies for Leadership

1. Starts From Within

The first step must start from within.  Self-leading isn’t about enduring tough situations, it’s about proactively managing your mindset, emotions, and actions in the face of adversity.  When you take ownership of your personal growth, you’re better equipped to navigate challenges without losing focus or motivation.  Self-leadership empowers you to recognize the value of connection and knowing when to ask for help.  Seeking support from trusted mentors, peers, or professionals provides fresh perspectives and emotional reinforcement, helping to lighten the mental load.  Having the willingness to connect and seek assistance will cultivate the strength, clarity, and support system needed to sustain both your mental and physical health.  When you gain the strength to lead from within, you will realize you don’t have to go through difficult times alone. Building stronger teams and battling adversity as a team.

2. Fostering a Culture of Openness

Leaders must actively foster a culture where discussions about mental wellness and health are normalized and encouraged. By openly acknowledging struggles and creating safe spaces for discussions, it will help shift the culture. Additionally, leaders should demonstrate empathy, actively listen to concerns, and implement policies that prioritize mental wellness and health. Providing training and culturally competent resources will further reinforce this supportive environment. When leaders lead by example and show vulnerability, they inspire others to speak up.

3. Prioritize Your Funding

Top end leaders must be intentional about establishing funding streams to support mental and physical wellness.  There is no perfect script, rather than just taking the first step in programming and fencing specified monies. Being proactive in our funding ensures that resources are consistently available to meet the evolving needs of the team.  When leaders prioritize these investments, they create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to take charge of their well-being.  Your automatic return on investment will ensure you have a strategic investment in the organization’s most valuable asset:  YOUR PEOPLE.

4. Providing Mental Health Resources

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a great starting point when evaluating the availability of local resources. Leaders should work directly with their EAP point of contact to ensure that there are specialized (culturally competent) resources for first responders listed within the program. Integration of the EAP into proactive peer support groups and wellness programs will greatly enhance the overall success of the program.

5. Training and Education

Just as deploying a hoseline requires proper training and teamwork, recognizing and addressing mental health demands the same level of preparation. Leaders should be prioritizing training that helps the team to identify early signs of distress, much like assessing fire behavior before making the stretch. Providing additional tools for resilience, stress management, and crisis intervention are just as essential as nozzles and hoses. Offering a new perspective and balance will improve all aspects of the team's lives. Ultimately you will have a stronger, more effective, and better prepared team for the known and unknown challenges that lay ahead.

6. Policy Development for Mental Wellness

Policies must be developed and revised to demonstrate a genuine commitment to mental wellness and health, while integrating a tiered approached. Providing access to peer support, peer coaches, and clinical services not only build upon one another, but also compliment each other when integrated as a system. Embedding coaching into wellness policies organizations will create a culture where ongoing support and professional development go hand in hand. A strong policy framework, combined with access to peers, coaches, and clinicians will empower individuals to navigate challenges effectively while fostering long-term wellbeing.

7. Leading by Example

Leaders who are vulnerable and openly share their own mental health challenges play a crucial role in fostering a culture of acceptance. When leaders show that they prioritize their mental wellness and health it sends a powerful message that it’s ok to not be ok, it is not a sign of weakness, and it is essential to resilience. By demonstrating healthy strategies, seeking support when needed, and engaging in open conversations, you set a positive example for your team. Transparency encourages others to prioritize their mental wellness and health without fear of judgement. Normalization of mental wellness and health creates stronger, more supportive, more effective teams.

The Future of First Responder Mental Health Leadership

The future of first responder leadership must embrace a holistic approach to wellness. Agencies that prioritize mental wellness and health will see stronger, more resilient teams, reduced burnout, and improved overall performance. By fostering a culture that values emotional and psychological well-being, leaders not only protect their personnel but also enhance the effectiveness of emergency response services.

First responders dedicate their lives to protecting others - it’s time leadership ensures they are equally protected from the mental toll of their service. Strong leadership doesn’t just respond to crises; it anticipates and prevents them, both in the field and in the hearts and minds of those who serve. Our team at Battalion 1 Consultants is prepared to help you explore how to the lay the foundation.

The article was written in collaboration by:

Chief Wes Hill

Battalion Chief Paul Wind (retired)

Battalion Chief CJ Dickinson 

Artwork: Paul Combs