Firefighting is difficult (physically and mentally). Accessing mental health resources can help you process the difficult calls you experience in-the-line-of-duty and prevent burnout. This article discusses new and existing benefits available to firefighters to improve their mental health.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ Compensation benefits are available for full-time and paid-on-call firefighters and cover many types of mental health injuries, not just PTSD. Workers’ Compensation benefits include: (1) wage-loss benefits, (2) reimbursement of medical expenses, (3) disability ratings for permanent injuries, and (4) Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC) services to help you manage your medical care and assist you with returning to work.
Although many workers’ compensation claims for mental health injuries are initially denied, that does not mean that you cannot recover benefits. Rather, it means that you will likely have to litigate your claim to recover benefits through a judicial award or settlement.
PERA Treatment Benefits
Members of the PERA Police & Fire Plan (typically full-time, career firefighters) are eligible to receive 24-to-32 weeks of mental health treatment for any disabling mental health condition (not just PTSD) and other benefits to help them heal.
The program pays for mental health treatment as well as the continuation of wages and benefits (including PERA contributions) during treatment. These benefits are provided for by the employer, but are fully reimbursed by the State of Minnesota, eliminating the financial strain on departments.
Firefighters can work with their departments to return to work at any time during treatment or, if they are unable to return to work after completing 24-to-32 weeks of treatment, then they can apply for PERA disability benefits at that time.
It is important to review the statute (Minnesota Statutes Section 353.01, subdivision 1), to ensure that you follow its requirements before, during, and after you apply for PERA treatment benefits.
MnFIRE
The Minnesota Fire Initiative (MnFIRE) is a statewide program created to address emotional trauma, cardiovascular disease, and cancer among full-time and paid-on-call firefighters. Some of the benefits available through MnFIRE include the MnFIRE PeerConnect app that provides 24/7 access to free and confidential mental health resources. MnFIRE also offers department training on strategies to cope with work-related trauma.
MnFIRE also provides firefighters and their family members with access to confidential mental health resources and up to five counseling sessions for free. Additionally, MnFIRE offers Critical Illness Insurance providing firefighters who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) up to $5,000 as a financial safety net during their time of need.
Non-Profit Organizations
In addition to the above, there are many non-profit organizations that provide additional support for first responders. Heroes Helping Heroes (H3), a peer support group for active and retired first responders, organizes events to bring people together and reduce the stigma of mental health. The Invisible Wounds Project (IWP) provides therapy services and other resources to Minnesota’s first responders and their families. Soldier’s 6 provides specially trained K-9s to guide first responders through the difficult days in life. Each of these organizations and many, many more are here to help.
In conclusion, firefighting is a difficult job (physically and mentally). Thankfully, there are free and confidential resources available to support you, improve your resiliency, and help you achieve post-traumatic growth.
