Operational engagement can be an addictive coping mechanism in its own convoluted way.
Alcohol
Breaking Down the Walls that Isolate Us
A wildland firefighter shares his personal story surrounding mental health and addiction in hopes it will help us all to better understand each other and build a path forward. Content Warning This revealing personal narrative includes the topics of addiction, overdosing, and suicide. If you’re feeling suicidal, talk to somebody. Call the National Suicide Prevention … Continue reading Breaking Down the Walls that Isolate Us
Chasing Spots
By Travis Dotson Spot! We’ve all heard it. We’ve all yelled it. We can all feel the little push on our pulse and the tingle in our toes just hearing it in our head. It can be calm or it can be chaotic, but no matter how it’s called out—it’s time to get serious. Let’s … Continue reading Chasing Spots
Suicide: Behavioral Health Advisory
The following is an advisory circulating in the wildland fire community. Fire and Aviation Management Behavioral Health Advisory Subject: Caring for our own: Suicide Prevention and Behavioral Health Distribution: Fire & Aviation personnel, Nationwide Discussion: Suicide rates are increasing in this country, and while we do not have specific numbers, tragically, suicide affects our … Continue reading Suicide: Behavioral Health Advisory
Saddle Up
By Travis Dotson Alright folks, listen up. We have a tough piece of line to put in. I'm not going to lie to you, it's gonna suck. It's certainly dangerous, but that's nothing new. This chunk of ground is gnarly. Ground just like this has killed more than a few good firefighters. Looking at the … Continue reading Saddle Up