The chapter explores the complex and pressing issue of suicide within fire and emergency services, emphasizing the need for a culturally informed and psychologically grounded prevention strategy. Drawing on research from suicidology, occupational health, and forensic psychology, the chapter argues for the implementation of a firefighter-specific psychological autopsy program to investigate suicide cases systematically. It examines the role of trauma, PTSD, organizational culture, access to firearms, and moral injury as risk factors, while also addressing the policy implications of labeling suicide a line-of-duty death. The chapter integrates findings from high-risk occupational groups, including military, correctional, and healthcare populations, to propose a multidimensional framework for suicide prevention, postvention, and data-informed intervention. Emphasis is placed on striking a balance between respect for the deceased and the imperative to prevent future loss through evidence-based, ethically sound practices.

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Suicide in the Fire Service and the Role of Psychological Autopsies for Prevention

  • Kristen Wheldon

摘要

The chapter explores the complex and pressing issue of suicide within fire and emergency services, emphasizing the need for a culturally informed and psychologically grounded prevention strategy. Drawing on research from suicidology, occupational health, and forensic psychology, the chapter argues for the implementation of a firefighter-specific psychological autopsy program to investigate suicide cases systematically. It examines the role of trauma, PTSD, organizational culture, access to firearms, and moral injury as risk factors, while also addressing the policy implications of labeling suicide a line-of-duty death. The chapter integrates findings from high-risk occupational groups, including military, correctional, and healthcare populations, to propose a multidimensional framework for suicide prevention, postvention, and data-informed intervention. Emphasis is placed on striking a balance between respect for the deceased and the imperative to prevent future loss through evidence-based, ethically sound practices.