FWFD S 1119 R1: Traumatic Event Support

• This is the Standard Operating Procedure S 1119 R1 for Administration and Support for Fort Worth Fire Department Employees and their Immediate Families following a traumatic event
• Effective from February 15, 2012
• Replaces S 1119, which was implemented on August 1, 1996
• The Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) performs an annual review cycle and is accountable for administration

Purpose

• To establish procedures for notifying and providing support to FWFD employees and/or their immediate families after a traumatic event

General Information

• The Fire Chief will appoint a Liaison Officer to assist the Chaplain and Crisis Management Director
• The Liaison Officer will notify the firefighter/family if the Chaplain and Crisis Management Director are unavailable
• The Liaison Officer should possess a pager and cellular telephone
• It is important to be compassionate while assisting the firefighter/family
• Conduct debriefings and provide emotional support for the firefighter/family and for co-workers

Instructions and Procedures

• The Liaison Officer should ensure the following areas of concern are satisfied
• The victim's name should not be released until immediate survivors are notified
• Notification should always be in person and never alone -The Chaplain, Crisis Manager, a peer counselor, or another FWFD representative should accompany the informing officer
• Medical personnel should accompany the FWFD representatives making the notification when there is knowledge that an immediate survivor has a medical problem
• Transportation to the hospital in a department vehicle should be made available to the firefighter or their immediate family
• A chief officer or designated FWFD representative responds to the hospital or to the home
• The FWFD representatives making the original notification should be in attendance at the hospital
• Arrangements will be made for the family at the hospital
• The family should be kept up to date on the condition of the victim and allowed visitation prior to death if possible
• An FWFD representative should be available to assist the firefighter and their family in meeting needs
• FWFD furnished transportation should be available for the firefighter/family
• Arrangements should be made to forward medical bills to the proper agency
• Idle promises should not be made to the firefighter/family

Funeral Arrangements

• Assist the firefighter/family with funeral arrangements to include a FWFD funeral, if desired, for a fallen firefighter (S 1109).
• FWFD furnished transportation should be available within the Fort Worth area
• The firefighter/family should have access to support groups and someone to talk to at all times

Follow Up

• Arrange for a detailed explanation of all benefits
• Ensure the availability of an advocate for the interests of the firefighter/family
• Keep the firefighter/family informed of events relating to the death of the loved one
• Routine checks should be made on the firefighter/family for several weeks following the funeral