Overview

This book explores the critical role of psychology in enhancing the health, safety, and longevity of fire service professionals. Despite advancements in equipment and training, high rates of injury and fatality persist, underscoring the urgent need to address cultural and human factors. The book examines safety challenges in the fire service and highlights the importance of psychological insights, including their application in standards, legal frameworks, and organizational practices. It discusses fire service culture, organizational stress, mental health challenges, and issues related to diversity and inclusion. The book details strategies for overcoming resistance to psychological support, early detection, and intervention. It examines the role of psychologists in the fire service, human factors analysis, and suicide intervention through psychological autopsies and trauma risk management strategies. Finally, it presents a Fire Service Cultural Competency Training Program. It is essential reading for psychologists, occupational health professionals, and emergency service practitioners committed to firefighter well-being.

Full Product Details

9783032021250

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Author Information

Dr. Kristen Wheldon is the Board Chair and Founder of the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between psychology and the fire service. She is currently the Chair of the Police and Public Safety Section of Division 18 (Psychologists in Public Safety) for the American Psychological Association (2025–2027). Dr. Wheldon is a licensed psychologist with experience in correctional settings, military and law enforcement environments, and the court system. She served as Director of Behavioral Health for the Los Angeles Fire Department, where she provided psychological services, managed peer support programs, led critical incident response teams, and supervised doctoral psychology students. Dr. Wheldon also contributed to the Executive Fire Officer Program for the U.S. Fire Administration and serves on the National Fire Protection Association’s Standard for Emergency Responder Occupational Health and Wellness Committee. Previously, she was a member of the Public Safety Sector Council for the National Occupational Research Agenda at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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