Firefighters Are Sharing Who Was The Dumbest Person They've Had To Save In A Stupid Situation (30 Stories)

The psychotherapist, who is researching the psychology of firefighters and the challenges they face, explained that this is a profession that requires all-rounded people: firefighters have to be strong, have razor-sharp intellect, and have to be quick. The expert preferred to remain anonymous.

“In their line of work, firefighters have to deal with difficult and unpredictable circumstances which give rise to intense stress reactions,” the expert said.

Some of these stressors arise from the demands of the job itself: their jobs are physically demanding, they have to work in high temperatures and near toxic materials, and use professional equipment. This can lead to lung, heart, and hearing problems. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The psychological toll is equally as big (if not bigger).

“Some psychological challenges include having to work in constantly-shifting and unknown surroundings, being pressured by time, having to communicate with victims, taking responsibility for civilians and your teammates, and having to take care of the remains of those who die in fires,” the psychotherapist told Bored Panda just how exhausting and tough being a firefighter really is.

“These psychological stressors can have not only short-term but also long-term effects. For example, research done by the International Association of Firefighters in 2018 showed that 19 percent of respondents thought about suicide, 27 percent had substance abuse problems, 59 percent said they had problems at home and at work, and 65 percent recorded having intrusive thoughts about traumatic events during work,” she said, adding that firefighters can also suffer from PTSD.

According to the psychotherapist, there are very high demands for firefighters because they’re responsible for “the safety and welfare of society.” They have to be able to respond to various dangerous and risky situations and put their lives at risk for the sake of others. That requires not just physical speed but also being able to make quick decisions under intense pressure. This is why firefighters nearly always rank in the top of lists of the most stressful professions.

I also wanted to learn how firefighters could deal with the fact that they can’t always save people in danger. According to the psychotherapist researching firefighters and the challenges they face, at the core of this lies the understanding that they shouldn’t overestimate the bounds of their duty. In short, and as harsh as it sounds—you physically can’t save everyone and you’re not personally responsible for saving everyone. 

“They do the best that they can in every situation. You can’t take responsibility for everyone and it’s important to know your limits. When faced with intrusive thoughts and guilt, it’s vital that you speak to your colleagues and mental health specialists who can help you.”