By Chief Mike Kull =- Programs Director, Africa Fire Mission
Africa FIre Mission held its annual All Kenay Fire and EMS Training Symposium in November 2024. AFM integrated discussions about mental health and wellness into all of the training classes that were offered. This topic is frequently requested and is especially relevant due to first responders being attacked while trying to lend assistance to the public during 2024 demonstrations in Kenya.
Mental health issues are often stigmatized, particularly among first responders and various communities across Africa, where such challenges are frequently perceived as signs of weakness. This stigma can lead first responders to fear ridicule or ostracism from their peers when confronting mental health or addiction problems. Such concerns are compounded by stories of alcohol abuse within the ranks of first responders, highlighting the urgent need for open dialogue and support.
To combat these stigmas, our training classes fostered a supportive environment where participants could learn, share, and hear the experiences of others. AFM’s instructors lead discussions and recounted their own journeys with mental health and wellness. This, facilitated open discussions that underscored the importance of mental wellbeing and talking about trauma and its impact. Wellness exercises, including mindfulness and physical exercise, were integrated into the program to promote holistic approaches to mental health.
Feedback from participants indicated that these interactions proved invaluable; one firefighter expressed gratitude to an instructor, sharing his battle with alcoholism and his triumph in achieving sobriety since the training began. Additionally, training participants reported that the sessions significantly broadened their understanding of the stress and trauma that first responders endure. Chief Fire Officers, expressed that they gained renewed insights into the struggles faced by their team members, affirming the need for continued support and open conversations surrounding mental health challenges in high-stress professions.