The focus is on preventing suicide by identifying its traceable causes and creating an environment that encourages firefighters to seek help, altering an individual's trajectory from reaching suicide. Individual, company level, and departmental methods for prevention are presented. Students are introduced to The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide model developed by Dr. Thomas Joiner to explain suicidal behavior and how to use it to reduce the risk for suicide. The causes that lead to fire service suicide can be work-related, personal, or a combination. Resources like peer support and treatment to prevent maladaptive coping are covered.
