www.thebackdraftmagazine.com | A Volunteer Fire Service Publication | Volume 5 | Issue 1 | Backdraft Magazine 3
100,000 people in 1999 to 27.3 in 2010. Among men,
the greatest increases were among those aged 50-54
years and 55-59 years, (49.4 percent and nearly 48
percent, respectively).
The suicide rate for women rose more than 31 percent
from 6.2 per 100,000 in 1999 to 8.1 in 2010.
Among women, suicide rates increased with age,
and the largest rate increase was observed among
women aged 60-64 years -- nearly a 60 percent rise
from 4.4 per 100,000 to 7.0 suicides per 100,000
people.
I can only write on my experiences and education. In
my department, we have had one newer member as
well as some of our retired members commit suicide.
All were unexpected and have caused speculation
for years. These events have caused arguments
on how the department handled the funerals,
questions if honor guards should be used, and even
if the department should be involved in the funeral.
These events took the focus away from the mission
causing members to question each other and the
organizational leadership.
As Chief, you must bring up the topic of suicide
awareness and prevention to your department. It is
not a comfortable discussion, but to prevent suicides
the leader must lead the discussion. If you don't, no
one else will bring up the issue. Talking about suicide
does not increase the rate of suicide, and in fact may
prevent one from occurring.
Begin your discussion with your officers concerning
suicides from national level and those trends.
Ask if any of them have known someone who has
committed suicide, the response may surprise you.
One important goal is to also get the message to the
entire department. Keep in mind that everyone needs
to know what to do and what to say.
It is common for someone to have a concern about a
person, but not know how to start the conversation,
what to say, and more importantly what to do.
Unfortunately, this may result in no action being taken
which may lead to tragic results. To help the process,
there are some simple things one can do which will
begin the discussion and awareness process.
One easy thing is to print out the steps of what to do
if there is a concern someone may hurt themselves. A
simple ACE guideline on a one page laminated piece
of paper posted in every station may save a life. The
information is simple, easy to remember, and has
been developed by the military to help with suicide
prevention. The following is in all of our fire stations
and facilities:
The suicide rate for men ages 35 to 64 years old increased more than 27 percent, from 21.5 suicides per
ASK THEM
· Have the courage to ask the questions, but stay calm.
· Ask the question directly, "Are you thinking of hurting yourself?"
· Look for any outward sign that shows a deviation from their usual self.
· When the warning signs are present, it is imperative to ask then directly: "Are you thinking about killing
yourself?"
· Talk openly about suicide. Be willing to listen and allow them to express their feelings.
CARE FOR THEM
· Remove any means that could be used for self-injury such as weapons, knives, or pills.
If someone says they are thinking of suicide or hurting themselves
think of "A. C. E."--
Ask - Care - Escort