LibGuides: First Responder Resiliency Project: Home

If you need immediate help:

Fire/EMS Helpline: 1-888-731-FIRE (3473)

The National Volunteer Fire Council partners with the American Addiction Centers to provide this 24 hour, 7 days a week helpline that is completely free and confidential. Callers will receive compassionate support from licensed counselors and trained fire service members who understand what first responders are going through. This is a part of NVFC's Share the Load program, which provides support and access to information to help first responders and their families deal with issues such as stress, addiction, depression, and PTSD.

Key Resources for Help:

National Volunteer Fire Council
It is important to also realize the impact that fighting fires and responding to emergencies has on the mental wellbeing of emergency personnel. Taking care of your mental health is as important as managing your physical health. The NVFC’s Share the Load™ program provides access to critical resources and information to help first responders and their families manage and overcome personal and work-related problems such as anxiety, depression, burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction among others.
Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support
Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support’s (ILFFPS) mission is to recognize that all fire service and emergency medical service members are human beings who will be exposed to, and experience emotions. ILFFPS will provide a safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment where members can engage in a healing conversation with a peer. ILFFPS also seeks to share the concept of peer support and the structure of our program with those that request.
Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance
The mission of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance is to collaborate, develop and implement behavioral health awareness, prevention, intervention, and post crisis strategies to provide firefighters with an easily accessible and confidential source of information.
RE;ACT 4 Ryan
RE;ACT celebrates the life of Lt. Ryan Elwood, strives to create awareness for the battle he fought, campaigns for much needed counseling to help his fellow Fire Fighters and First Responders who face the same challenges each day and funds training to benefit the profession for which he was so passionate.
Firefighter Close Calls Personal Survival
#BeThe1To
According to their website, "#BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, spreading the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide."

IFSI Library Lending Policies

Local Lending (Illinois Residents Only)

The checkout period is 4 weeks.
Extensions are considered individually.
Pick up requested materials at the library circulation desk.
Bring your photo ID to set up a lending account.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

The checkout period is 6 weeks.
IFSI can send materials directly to your local public library through Interlibrary Loan.
You must have a public library card.
It may take up to two weeks for items to arrive.

Search Our Catalog Here

Introduction

This guide was produced by the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) library to bring together mental health resources that are relevant to fire fighters and first responders. On this page, you will find links and information about how to utilize IFSI Library resources as well as general lending polices. The subpages of this guide include information and resources regarding mental health, resiliency, critical incident stress management, and behavioral health.

About the IFSI Library

The Illinois Fire Service Institute Library contains books, codes and standards, DVDs, CDs, periodicals, manuals, e-resources, audiobooks, and other fire emergency resources, totaling over 65,000 items. We serve all first responders in the state of Illinois. Materials can be requested in person, by phone or email, or online through our catalog. You can search our catalog by title, author, keyword, subject, or publisher, and choose the formats you want to see. Enter as few or as many search terms as you would like; the more search terms you use the fewer results you'll get, but the results will be more specific. If you live in Illinois and have a public library card, we can send materials to your public library via interlibrary loan. Anyone is also welcome to visit us in person!