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HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES - 026 January 1, 2022 SOG Title: Firefighter Peer Support Team...

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES - 026 January 1, 2022 SOG Title: Firefighter Peer Support Team Revision: 1 APPROVED BY: NUMBER OF PAGES: Re-evaluation Date: Alan Wax January 1, 2024 Fire Chief 3 PURPOSE To prevent and/or lessen the potential negative impact of stress upon fire department personnel by providing emotional support, information, and assistance. All members of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department are encouraged to contact the Firefighter Peer Support Team at any time that they are experiencing signs and symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or any other mental health issue. DEFINITIONS A. Firefighter Peer Support Team – A group of Hoffman Estates Fire Department members who respond to firefighters in need of emotional support – whether that need be a personal or professional concern. The “peer support” firefighter is not a trained counselor but has received specialized training in the principles of peer support. Peer support firefighters are trained to recognize signs of emotional distress and take appropriate action. This can range from a single peer support interaction to making recommendations for resources to further assist and support the firefighter. This policy does not replace Operational Guideline 002 –Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. B. Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Network (ILFFPS) – A statewide network of over 200 active or retired firefighters that are trained as peer supporters. ILFFPS is assisted by licensed mental health professionals who guide and supervise trainings and services. ILFFPS provide a safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment where members can engage in a healing conversation with a peer. POLICY A. The Firefighter Peer Support Team consists of members who have been trained through the Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Network that shall: 1. Provide confidential, appropriate, and supportive assistance to their peers 2. Provide information on additional peer support resources available 3. Provide referrals to mental health professionals 4. Be readily available in the event of a critical incident 5. Keep up with training and continuing education necessary to the role 6. Provide in-house education to personnel B. Peer support does not replace Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) – See 1  Operational Guideline-002. C. The Firefighter Peer Support Team is not considered a substitute for professional clinical counseling. D. Personnel may choose to accept or reject the assistance of a Firefighter Peer Support Team member. E. Confidentiality 1. The Firefighter Peer Support Team will honor the confidentiality of those in contact with the team. No information will be shared with other employees, family members, supervisors, management, or the general public. 2. The Firefighter Peer Support Team may consult with an approved clinical mental health professional who will also maintain confidentiality. 3. In the event that a team member determines the employee is in immediate danger to him/herself or others, the employee will be directed to an appropriate, professional level of care. 4. No identifiable recordkeeping will be completed. Non-specific data will be recorded only to track the utilization of the Peer Support Team. a) Incident Type (EMS or Fire response, Injury/Illness, LODD, or Personal) b) Peer Supporter Assigned c) Actions Taken d) Additional Resources Needed ACTIVATION/NOTIFICATION The use of the Firefighter Peer Support Team is encouraged following situations or incidents that have had a high emotional impact on fire department personnel. While it is the company officer’s primary responsibility for the safety and wellness of the crew, all members should monitor each other’s mental health with the understanding that stress can affect everyone differently after an incident. The Firefighter Peer Support Team can be activated by any member in the organization. The Fire Chief and Deputy Chief of Operations should be notified whenever the Peer Support Team is activated. Firefighter Peer Support Team members can be reached directly via cell phone. On duty personnel will be the first point of contact if appropriate or available. A list of the Firefighter Peer Support Team Members will be located on the Fire Station Bulletin Board, Battalion Chief’s office and with Fire Administration. 2  PROCEDURE A Peer Support Team member will make contact with the requesting member the same day as requested, or as soon as possible. Appropriate action will be determined collectively between the member and the Peer Support Team. Follow-up contact will be made as necessary and will be determined on a case by case basis. EXCEPTIONS This is not a replacement for Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (Operational Guideline 02) or the Employee Wellness Program (Operational Guideline 24). REFERENCES Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Network – 1-855-90-SUPPORT www.ilffps.org Facebook.com/ilffps End of Document 3