Fire Fighter Experience Day for Mental Health Professionals

Join the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation for our annual Fire Fighter Experience Day, where you can participate in hands-on simulations and learn firsthand about the challenges faced by Wisconsin fire and EMS responders.

This one-day immersive experience is designed for mental health professionals, chaplains, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) practitioners who may work with traumatized first responders. This course will help build cultural awareness and appreciation for the unique first responder culture, while also enhancing clinicians’ practical understanding of typical fire and EMS operations. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for supporting first responders and a deeper understanding of their operational environment.

During the morning portion of the day, participants will join experienced fire fighters in hands-on scenarios such as simulated fire suppression and emergency medical responses, allowing them to experience firsthand the physical demands faced by fire and EMS personnel.

The afternoon portion of the day will include small group discussions led by the Charitable Foundation’s peer support clinician and member assistance team members. These sessions aim to help participants understand peer-driven support strategies used to intervene with first responders suffering from the effects of trauma exposure.

Participants must be aware that this training will involve the use of fire fighter protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus, with all activities conducted under the close supervision of experienced fire fighters to ensure participant safety.

The National Association of Social Workers - Wisconsin Chapter (NASW-WI) has approved 2.25 contact hours for this event.