Article Highlights
- The problem: Low firefighter well-being
- The solution: PowerLine, an employee wellness app
- The benefits: Promote well-being with access to anonymous resources provided by mental wellness apps
The problem: Low firefighter well-being
Firefighter well-being is at an all-time low due to high levels of burnout and low morale. They regularly face dangerous, high-stakes situations with no room for error, which puts a lot of pressure on their shoulders. Left unacknowledged, high levels of stress in firefighters can damage their mental health and well-being, causing burnout, PTSD, relationship problems, and more.
Unfortunately, a lack of firefighter mental health resources means they often don’t receive the support they need. And, in cases where wellness support is available, many firefighters don't take advantage of them due to the stigma and potential career consequences. Firefighter burnout and low morale impact fire staff’s mental health and wellness, safety in the field, and quality of services to the community – further contributing to low retention and recruitment at fire departments.
The solution: An employee wellness app
PowerLine by PowerDMS is an employee wellness app that gives firefighters 24/7 access to mental wellness support resources.
Support from peers
Firefighters can log into the app to connect with a nationwide network of volunteer peers who experience similar situations and understand their stresses. An algorithm matches firefighters across the nation based on experience and their department’s volume of high-impact calls, creating space for open conversations with peers in similar situations. Staff at your fire department can also anonymously join virtual group discussions moderated by volunteer peers that allow firefighters to connect with other firefighters about the topics that specifically affect their own lives.
Complete anonymity
PowerLine ensures that each firefighter's identity is completely anonymous while using the mental wellness app’s resources. In-app activity is not reported to supervisors or watched by the department, and all browsing data is deleted after access.
Library of wellness resources
PowerLine also gives your staff 24/7 access to a complete library of wellness content and firefighter mental health resources, including videos, articles, and audio content. You’ll find a wide variety of materials built exclusively around the challenges fire staff face in their professional and personal lives.
The benefits of firefighter mental health and wellness apps
PowerLine provides targeted firefighter mental health resources that they can access on their own terms – anytime, anywhere. With complete confidentiality, firefighters don't have to worry about any potential career consequences. The PowerLine mental wellness app’s full anonymity ensures firefighters can feel comfortable getting help without judgment.
The app gives your department the tools you need to ensure firefighters feel heard, can talk through job challenges, and have access to resources that support their personal and professional lives. This boosts well-being by supporting improved firefighter mental health and wellness. As a result, they’re less likely to experience burnout and leave the department, making you better prepared to serve citizens.
Learn more
If you want to learn how PowerLine can help decrease stress in firefighters, reduce firefighter burnout, and help prioritize mental well-being in your department, request a free demo of the system on our website.