855-900-8437 | 24/7, Toll-Free, Completely Confidential
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can take a toll on the life of a fire fighter or paramedic, leaving their friends and family to pick up the pieces. If you’re an IAFF member battling a mental health disorder, the road to recovery can begin with a single phone call. The IAFF Center of Excellence offers a 24-hour hotline that IAFF members and their loved ones can call to learn more about available help for PTSD and related conditions.
What Is a PTSD & Mental Health Hotline for IAFF Members?
This hotline is staffed with professionals who understand the struggles of being a fire fighter or paramedic, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicide and substance use disorder. With 24-hour access, this helpline is available whenever you need to talk to someone, regardless of the time of day.
When Should I Call a PTSD & Mental Health Hotline?
The simple answer is “whenever you would like.” The IAFF hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer any questions you have about yourself or a loved one. You can also discuss the first steps in receiving treatment.
If you are in need of immediate medical attention or any other form of emergency assistance, call 911 .
What Will I Be Asked When I Call the Hotline?
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
- How long have you been dealing with mental health issues?
- Are you battling drug or alcohol addiction?
- How long have you been a fire fighter or paramedic?
- When did you become an IAFF member?
- Have you struggled with any mental health disorders before?
- Do you have a family history of mental illness?
- Are you ready to receive treatment for PTSD or any other mental health disorder?
Is the Phone Call Confidential?
Yes. The IAFF Center of Excellence’s hotline abides by HIPAA privacy guidelines. Therefore, all calls are 100 percent confidential. No information that you share will be disclosed to your family, friends, employer or colleagues unless you give us permission to do so. If you call on behalf of an IAFF member, we will not contact them unless you explicitly ask us to.
Can I Begin Treatment When I Call?
Absolutely. At the IAFF Center of Excellence, we understand the gravity of mental health problems. When it comes to getting help, time is of the essence. That’s why IAFF members can enroll in a treatment program as soon as they call, contingent on insurance acceptance and other factors.
Additional Free National Hotline Numbers
Emergency
- 911
- Available 24/7
The National Poison Control Center
- 877-539-2237
- Available 24/7
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Available 24/7
The National Institute of Mental Health
- 877-539-2237
- Available M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- 800-662-HELP (4357)
- Available 24/7
PTSD Foundation of America
- 877-717-PTSD (7873)
- Available During Business Hours
