Peer & Family Support

Peer Support is defined as assistance provided by a trained individual or group of trained emergency responders who answer the call to their brothers and sisters AND their family members in need, regardless of the need.

Confidential assistance is available from our Peer Support Team to support you and your family.

If you need help email: peersupport@amfems.org. Confidential assistance will be provided by a member of our Peer Support Team.

Anchorage/Middletown Peer Support Team emblem: yellow Maltese cross with rope circle, reaching hands, emergency symbols.

Resources

firstresponderfamilypsychology.com/firefighter-family-academy
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emergency.cdc.gov/coping/responders.asp
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americanaddictioncenters.org/firefighter-first-responders
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firefighterwife.com
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firstresponderfamilypsychology.com
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firstresponderfamilypsychology.com
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firstresponderfamilypsychology.com/firefighter-family-academy
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Emergency Support Helplines

Safe Call Now - 1-206-459-3020 is a 24/7 helpline staffed by first responders for first responders and their families. They provide assistance with treatment options for mental health, substance abuse, and other personal challenges.
Veterans Crisis Line (Veterans only) - 1-800-273-8255 & press 1 or text 838255 offers dedicated support specifically for veterans facing crisis situations.

Educational & Training Opportunities for Staff and Family Members

Sign up for classes through Advanced Recovery Systems University with a simple account creation process requiring only demographic details.

Marriage and Family

Fire Family Dynamics
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Teens Screens Parenting Balanced Kids
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Filling in the Gaps for Families
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Effectively Managing Multiple Roles
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Healthy Relationship
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Behavioral Health Awareness for Families
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Supporting Firefighter Families
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Connecting the Brain and the Body
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Trauma and Addiction: How Do You Eat an Elephant
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Post Traumatic Growth for Fire Service Members
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Understanding the Impact of Trauma
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Trauma

Cognitive Distortions Among First Responders
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Resiliency in the Fire Service
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The Gut-Brain Connection
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You and Your Life Are The Sum Total of Your Parts
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Practicing Gratitude
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Get To Know Your Energetic Body: Optimize Your Energy
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Mental Health Concepts

Anxiety and Depression

Explore targeted courses designed to address anxiety and depression challenges faced by fire and EMS personnel. These resources support mental health awareness and resilience within the department.
Firefighter in uniform and helmet thoughtfully sitting.
Anxiety is a Liar offers practical strategies to identify and counteract negative thought patterns common in emergency responders. This course helps build mental clarity and emotional strength.
Firefighter in yellow helmet, blue uniform, holding paperwork, inside fire station.
Anxiety in High Achievers focuses on the unique pressures faced by top performers in emergency services. It provides tools to manage stress while maintaining high standards of performance.
Emergency personnel in a medical transport vehicle attend to a person on a stretcher.
Understanding Anxiety breaks down the physiological and psychological aspects of anxiety to improve self-awareness. This knowledge supports better coping mechanisms in high-stress situations.
Firefighters in yellow uniforms at a table, some wearing helmets, listening intently.
Managing Stress and Achieving Work Life Balance in the Fire Service addresses the challenges of balancing demanding shifts with personal life. The course promotes sustainable wellness practices for long-term health.

Suicide Prevention Resources

Two firefighters in uniform, face-to-face, in a room with equipment, discussing something.
Paramedic tending to a person in a hospital bed; paramedic wearing a uniform, woman wearing a green shirt.
Police officers in a conference room attending a presentation, some using laptops, projector screen visible.
Firefighters in a meeting, with an instructor in the center and a screen behind them in a modern room.
Firefighter meditating in front of a fire station with closed eyes, wearing a helmet and gear, sitting cross-legged on grass.

Substance Abuse

Firefighters and emergency vehicles on a wet street in a residential neighborhood.

The Impact of Substance Use on Sleep

Explore how substance use disrupts sleep patterns and affects overall health.

A person in a maroon shirt administers care to someone lying in bed. Room with natural light.

Relapse Prevention Starts In The Subconscious Mind

Understand subconscious triggers and strategies to maintain long-term sobriety.

Fire trucks parked in front of a fire station at dusk, under a colorful sunset.

How to Heal Families from Addiction

Learn approaches to support family recovery and rebuild trust after addiction.

Two EMTs tending to a person lying on a stretcher in an ambulance; another EMT and person wearing a mask observe.

From Sobriety to Long Term Recovery

Steps and resources to sustain recovery beyond initial sobriety milestones.

Three firefighters in helmets and gear discussing in a room; a presentation screen is in the background.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder and Best Practices for Support

Identify signs of alcohol use disorder and effective support methods.

Two firefighters in helmets and gear examine a tool in a fire station.

Addiction 101

Basic knowledge about addiction mechanisms and treatment options.

Two emergency responders in a vehicle, inspecting medical equipment.

Cannabis Is Harmless, Think Again! An Addiction Medicine Perspective

Examine the risks of cannabis use from a medical addiction standpoint.

Firefighters in brown uniforms and helmets consult documents on a city street.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Detailed insights into alcohol dependency and recovery pathways.

Coping with Loss and Grief
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Supporting Grief Loss for teens
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Grief & Loss

Holidays

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Supporting Loved Ones During the Holiday Season

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Navigating the Holiday Season