Mindfulness for Firefighters

We are a Nonprofit Organization dedicated to improving the mental health of the community

Overview

Firefighters are one of the most essential frontline workers, facing literal raging flames on a daily basis. Given the extreme stress and pressure of their job, many firefighters struggle with mental health and physical injuries on the job. But, like many other courageous jobs, there is often a stigma against mental health treatment that prevents many firefighters from seeking help. Therefore, by implementing a mindfulness-based preventative measure with the YOG Foundation, firefighters can boost their ability to withstand the mental and physical pressures they frequently face and prevent future issues from arising as well.

A Vision for a More Mindful Future

In 2018 alone, fire departments received a total of over 36 million calls for assistance. Besides their duties in fighting fires, firefighters often also provide emergency medical services, disaster assistance, and search and rescue services. Therefore, in nearly every hazardous or dangerous situation that our society faces, firefighters are the ones on the frontlines of these disasters. These stressful situations often lead to mental and physical health issues that can be disastrous for the lives of firefighters. But by implementing a preventative mindfulness program with the YOG Foundation, firefighters can improve both their mental and physical health, potentially decreasing the personal effects of their duties.

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Goals

Objectives

Today – Without Mindfulness

Over 58 thousand firefighters were injured on duty in 2017
Firefighters were exposed over 7 thousand times to infectious diseases in 2017
They were also exposed in total over 44 thousand times to hazardous materials
17% of all firefighter injuries lead to lost work time
More firefighters die by suicide than from on-duty death
The rate of PTSD in firefighters is five times higher than in the general population
46.8% of firefighters think about suicide at some point in their career
40% of firefighters report using binge drinking to cope

Tomorrow – With Mindfulness

Can increase attention, concentration, and focus, thereby preventing many work-related injuries
Improved functional mobility after a 6-week intervention of yoga in firefighters, helping to speed along injury recovery
A 12-week yoga intervention led to a significant boost in immunity, preventing infection from disease
Greater mindfulness leads to fewer feelings of negativity and loneliness in firefighters
43% decrease in depression and suicide
50% decrease in symptoms of PTSD
12% decrease in addiction relapse, preventing further binge drinking

Change the community

The YOG Foundation Implements Mindful Yoga & Mindful Meditation Sessions Across Various Firefighter Organizations

As firefighters face dangerous situations on a daily basis, the rate of mental health issues is on the rise. By implementing a mindfulness program with the YOG Foundation, it can not only improve the lives of firefighters, but it can also benefit the communities that they serve.

The Benefits of Mindfulness for Firefighters

A recent study investigated the benefits of improved mindfulness in 124 urban firefighters on a variety of factors.

This study found that for firefighters with higher levels of mindfulness, they also had:

Mindfulness and yoga programs for firefighters have the potential to significantly assist them both mentally and physically, helping them to lead more fulfilling lives and improve their job performance as well.