By Kevin Parker
In the fire service, we’ve gotten better at taking care of ourselves following high-stress and traumatic incidents. Through continued emphasis and education onpost-traumatic stress disorder and debriefings following incidents, we’ve become more effective at recognizing, addressing, and treating emergency responders who have been impacted by traumatic incidents. But how has the fire service done with our response to the victims of and witnesses to these incidents?
Throughout my 29 years in the fire service, I have become increasingly concerned about and sensitive to the needs of victims or those who have witnessed traumatic incidents. Now, lest you are thinking that it is not the role of the fire department to address the emotional needs of victims, I agree that we are certainly not equipped to provide psychological support to victims; however, I do strongly support the notion of emergency responders being cognizant of and providing guidance and support to the victims and witnesses of traumatic incidents. To that end, post-incident radical compassion (PIRC) is the practice of going “above and beyond” (what I term “radical”) to provide unforgettable support, guidance, and empathy to a victim or witness.
PIRC, as the name implies, is most assuredly a “radical” idea for the fire service. Generally, we are not accustomed to focusing on victims after a fire is out or an incident has been mitigated. After all, we’re tired, focused on getting back in service, and preparing for the next incident, and there is no denying that these are important items that should be completed.
THE VICTIM’S EXPERIENCE
Before we learn about what we can do to provide PIRC, let’s explore what a victim or witness has experienced.
- A fire victim has just lost some, if not all, of personal belongings. Even though we may classify one’s belongings as simply “stuff,” it’s still the possessions that give a victim a sense of individuality and identity. In most cases, the sentimental value of the items lost is priceless. To truly understand this, pause for a minute to think about the most precious items you would lose if your home were completely destroyed. More importantly, think about what items insurance simply cannot replace (e.g., photos and wedding albums). Finally, be aware that it is not uncommon for insurance contents coverage to be exhausted before many items can be replaced. For many of us, the thought of losing everything is unfathomable!
- Although we may classify it as a “good fire,” let’s face it, it’s a really “bad fire” for a victim. The day the victim witnessed or fell victim to a horrific accident or a devastating fire will likely rank as one of the worst days of that person’s life, short of the death of a family member or a close friend. Unfortunately, at times these incidents might be coupled with another significant personal tragedy as well. We should be mindful that firefighters experience devastating accidents and fire losses frequently and that witnesses and victims do not.
- Witnessing a tragic incident is a life-changing event. Citizens, unlike emergency responders, are not trained or prepared to witness a traumatic event. Often, what they have witnessed is much worse than what we may observe on our arrival. Consequently, witnesses are many times the ignored, unforgotten victims.
WHAT IS POST-INCIDENT RADICAL COMPASSION?
PIRC is recognizing and being aware that victims and witnesses have been adversely impacted by a tragic incident. We should always be mindful that the eyes of these individuals (and the general public) are always on us, during and following an incident. They watch our actions, emotional and physical responses, and professional demeanor at all times. So it should go without saying that bystanders, victims, and witnesses will view firefighters’ “high-fiving” or laughing following a tragic incident negatively and may cause them to form create an unfavorable impression. The days of not caring about what the public thinks about us are over. Remember, “Perception is reality.”
Practicing PIRC means that victims and bystanders are treated as friends and family would be treated. How would you treat a family member or a close friend who just suffered a tragic loss? Would you take the time to talk with them, explain what is happening, and see what you can do to help them? At the risk of challenging individual fire department protocol or customs, I believe that today’s fire officers should allow good old common sense to prevail and treat these victims as if they are truly having one of the worst days of their lives.
I propose that radical compassion become a cultural component of a fire department–all fire department personnel should understand PIRC. Imagine what it would mean to a fire victim to have fire department personnel voluntarily and willingly approach them expressing their condolences for the loss suffered and offering additional assistance.
As an incident commander and public information officer, for me PIRC also means that we offer post-incident support. As an illustration, recently I offered to assist a fire victim weeks after the fire by writing a letter for an insurance claim she was having difficulty communicating to her insurance adjustor. The letter stated simple facts about the fire, but it was all that was needed to resolve the final claim for her. We should keep in mind that a fire has two main chapters for a victim. The first chapter is the incident itself, which is generally short, lasting only a few minutes or hours at most. The second chapter, the rebuilding, restoration, and “starting over” phase, often lasts weeks, if not months or years. PIRC involves providing a victim advice about the next steps, short and long-term, and offering to assist by making preliminary phone calls, suggesting resources, and so on.
Following an incident ,witnesses and victims have probably just had one of the worst days of their lives. For us, it’s just another day. Practicing PIRC positions fire departments as caring, understanding, and compassionate organizations that truly understand what it’s like to have lost it all or witnessed a life-changing incident, both of which have significant emotional impacts and related ramifications.
In these times of tightening budgets and increased operational scrutiny, fire departments that practice PIRC will also reap the intrinsic and political benefits of added value and enhanced credibility in the community. Let’s serve our citizens in their time of need with the radical compassion and caring they deserve. In the end, everybody wins!
Kevin Parker is a captain and public information officer at South Oldham Fire Department is Crestwood, Kentucky. He has served for 29 years in the fire service. He also serves as a consultant for the fire service and private business and as an instructor.
