John’s story does not stand alone. More firefighters are finding it difficult to process the unpleasant experiences that unfortunately come with their deployment. The Utrecht Security Region has announced that it is aware of the impact that the work can have on emergency workers, even years later. “A special Relief and Aftercare Team is available at the VRU day and night for personnel care after a shocking event, to support control room employees, the fire service and the crisis organization in starting the processing process,” said a spokesperson. “When further psychological care is needed, we help our people to follow appropriate other psychological pathways.”
Baarn wants recognition of PTSD as an occupational disease in the fire service: ‘Be open to the signals’
