Service aims to help firefighters cope

A SERVICE is being set up to help firefighters in Kerry and Tipperary who suffer stress and trauma arising from their work.

County councils in Kerry and North Tipperary have entered into an agreement to provide the service.

Because of an increase in road accidents, in particular, firefighters who are called to such scenes can be traumatised.

Last year, 21 people died in traffic accidents in Kerry alone, while dozens of others were injured.

The director of services in Kerry, Mr Oliver Ring, said having to deal with such incidents could have implications for the health and well-being of firefighters.

Staffcare, a company skilled in critical incident stress management, has been chosen to provide a service for both authorities.

South Kerry Independent Alliance Councillor Michael Gleeson said the long-term trauma suffered by people who had to work at the scene of tragedies was not always understood and sometimes left a deep sense of shock.

Independent Councillor Michael Healy-Rae said such people had a “horrible job” to do on many occasions, but it was a job of enormous importance to the community.

Mr Ring said counselling services were in place at present, but were not focused enough.

The new joint service would be able to provide people with counselling geared to specific circumstances, he pointed out.