SAFETY STAND DOWN
2026 SUICIDE PREVENTION & AWARENESS
WEEK FOUR
How to Help Someone Needing Support
As we enter Week 4 of the Safety Stand Down, we focus on acting, and we learn about how we, as peers, can Help Someone Needing Support. Knowing what to say and how to say it can make all the difference. We encourage you to lead these conversations and create space for members to engage openly.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your Peer Support leads.
WEEK FOUR LESSON PLAN
This week is about equipping members with the confidence and tools to step in, start a conversation, and connect someone to help. Set aside time during the shift or training this week to:
Watch this week’s video together
Practice starting a conversation using provided talking points
Review available resources, including peer support and crisis lines
Prompt for consideration: Talk about how we recognize when a brother or sister may need support. What changes might we notice, and how can we start the conversation?
Stand Down materials, including videos, discussion prompts, and printable resources, are available HERE.
WATCH THE VIDEO
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MAKE MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORITY
No matter how tough, no one is immune to the anguish that can build from a career of difficult calls.
All too often, we keep the anguish buried inside, afraid to be labeled as weak or unfit. "The 'suck it up, buttercup' mentality believes ... all you need to do is rub some dirt in it and get back out there." The thing is, the same line was used against SCBA, seat belts, turnouts and other safety equipment and practices that are saving firefighter lives. As with any injury, allowing this anguish to fester can lead to unhealthy habits, behaviors, and, sometimes, death. Mental health is medical health.