GITNUXREPORT 2025

Firefighter Ptsd Statistics

Firefighters face high PTSD risks, affecting mental, physical health, and relationships.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

PTSD in firefighters is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, due to chronic stress and mental health issues

Statistic 2

Nearly 60% of firefighters report feeling unprepared for the emotional toll of their work, contributing to PTSD risk

Statistic 3

In a survey, about 70% of firefighters reported experiencing at least one traumatic event annually, impacting mental health

Statistic 4

Nearly 50% of firefighters with PTSD report difficulty with concentration and memory recall, affecting job performance

Statistic 5

Firefighters' PTSD symptoms are linked to a higher likelihood of marital problems and family strain, with nearly 40% reporting relationship issues

Statistic 6

Approximately 60% of firefighters do not seek mental health help due to stigma, fear of job loss, or lack of resources

Statistic 7

Routine exposure to trauma in firefighting has been linked to reduced resilience and increased vulnerability to PTSD

Statistic 8

Firefighters often develop PTSD symptoms within three to six months post-incident, but some symptoms can appear years later

Statistic 9

Regular mental health screenings can identify PTSD early and improve treatment outcomes for firefighters, yet less than 30% receive routine screening

Statistic 10

Firefighters with PTSD are more likely to experience physical health problems such as hypertension, chronic pain, and sleep disorders

Statistic 11

The stigma around mental health in firefighting communities is a significant barrier to seeking help, with many firefighters fearing career consequences

Statistic 12

The financial cost of firefighter PTSD includes treatment, lost work hours, and disability claims, amounting to millions annually

Statistic 13

Firefighters often report feeling a "moral injury" related to their inability to save lives or prevent disaster, which can exacerbate PTSD symptoms

Statistic 14

Retired firefighters with a history of PTSD are at a higher risk for developing other chronic health issues, such as cardiovascular disease

Statistic 15

Peer support programs have been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms among firefighters by up to 25%

Statistic 16

The use of virtual reality therapy has shown promising results in reducing PTSD symptoms among firefighters, with reported improvements of up to 60%

Statistic 17

Firefighter training programs that include mental health components have been shown to reduce the incidence of PTSD

Statistic 18

Peer support and debriefing after traumatic events can reduce PTSD prevalence by approximately 15-20%

Statistic 19

Public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing stigma have increased help-seeking behaviors among firefighters by about 10-15%

Statistic 20

The majority of firefighter PTSD cases can benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy, which has shown to reduce symptoms significantly

Statistic 21

Post-incident PTSD can persist in firefighters for years if not properly treated

Statistic 22

The time from trauma exposure to development of PTSD symptoms can range from one month to several years

Statistic 23

About 35% of firefighters with PTSD experience hypervigilance and increased startle response

Statistic 24

PTSD symptoms in firefighters often co-occur with anxiety disorders, with prevalence estimates around 30%

Statistic 25

PTSD in firefighters is associated with a higher incidence of substance use as a coping mechanism, with some studies indicating up to 25%

Statistic 26

Approximately 25% of firefighters who experience PTSD meet criteria for comorbid depression, significantly impacting recovery

Statistic 27

Approximately 30% of firefighters experience symptoms of PTSD at some point in their careers

Statistic 28

Firefighters are two times more likely to develop PTSD than the general population

Statistic 29

About 19% of firefighters with PTSD also suffer from depression

Statistic 30

A study found that 43% of firefighters screened positive for alcohol misuse, which is often linked to PTSD

Statistic 31

Firefighters are at a higher risk of suicidal ideation, with estimates suggesting between 15-20% have contemplated suicide

Statistic 32

Around 25% of firefighters report symptoms consistent with PTSD

Statistic 33

The prevalence of PTSD among volunteer firefighters is approximately 20%

Statistic 34

Studies suggest that nearly 50% of firefighters experience sleep disturbances, correlating with PTSD symptoms

Statistic 35

The incidence of PTSD increases with years of service in firefighting

Statistic 36

Firefighters are 9 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts compared to the general population

Statistic 37

Firefighters exposed to repeated trauma have a cumulative risk for PTSD, with some studies estimating up to 40% prevalence in such populations

Statistic 38

The average age of firefighters diagnosed with PTSD is around 40 years old

Statistic 39

Female firefighters are more likely to develop PTSD than their male counterparts, with some studies indicating up to 40%

Statistic 40

Approximately 15% of firefighters diagnosed with PTSD also meet criteria for substance abuse disorder

Statistic 41

The rate of PTSD among firefighters working in urban settings is higher than those in rural areas

Statistic 42

The lifetime prevalence of PTSD among firefighters varies widely but can be as high as 45% in some populations

Statistic 43

Suicide rates among firefighters are 1.5 times higher than the national average, highlighting urgent mental health intervention needs

Statistic 44

The prevalence of PTSD among firefighters varies globally, with some countries reporting rates as high as 50%, indicating cultural and systemic differences impact prevalence

Slide 1 of 44

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

Approximately 30% of firefighters experience symptoms of PTSD at some point in their careers
Firefighters are two times more likely to develop PTSD than the general population
About 19% of firefighters with PTSD also suffer from depression
A study found that 43% of firefighters screened positive for alcohol misuse, which is often linked to PTSD
Firefighters are at a higher risk of suicidal ideation, with estimates suggesting between 15-20% have contemplated suicide
Around 25% of firefighters report symptoms consistent with PTSD
The prevalence of PTSD among volunteer firefighters is approximately 20%
Studies suggest that nearly 50% of firefighters experience sleep disturbances, correlating with PTSD symptoms
The incidence of PTSD increases with years of service in firefighting
Firefighters are 9 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts compared to the general population
Post-incident PTSD can persist in firefighters for years if not properly treated
Firefighters exposed to repeated trauma have a cumulative risk for PTSD, with some studies estimating up to 40% prevalence in such populations
The average age of firefighters diagnosed with PTSD is around 40 years old

Firefighting may save lives, but the mental toll is estimated to affect nearly half of all firefighters—highlighting a crisis of unseen injuries that demands urgent attention.

Consequences and Broader Impacts

PTSD in firefighters is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, due to chronic stress and mental health issues

Consequences and Broader Impacts Interpretation

Firefighters battling PTSD not only face invisible scars but also carry a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, highlighting how chronic stress can turn mental trauma into physical harm.

Impact of Firefighting on Mental Well-being

Nearly 60% of firefighters report feeling unprepared for the emotional toll of their work, contributing to PTSD risk
In a survey, about 70% of firefighters reported experiencing at least one traumatic event annually, impacting mental health
Nearly 50% of firefighters with PTSD report difficulty with concentration and memory recall, affecting job performance
Firefighters' PTSD symptoms are linked to a higher likelihood of marital problems and family strain, with nearly 40% reporting relationship issues
Approximately 60% of firefighters do not seek mental health help due to stigma, fear of job loss, or lack of resources
Routine exposure to trauma in firefighting has been linked to reduced resilience and increased vulnerability to PTSD
Firefighters often develop PTSD symptoms within three to six months post-incident, but some symptoms can appear years later
Regular mental health screenings can identify PTSD early and improve treatment outcomes for firefighters, yet less than 30% receive routine screening
Firefighters with PTSD are more likely to experience physical health problems such as hypertension, chronic pain, and sleep disorders
The stigma around mental health in firefighting communities is a significant barrier to seeking help, with many firefighters fearing career consequences
The financial cost of firefighter PTSD includes treatment, lost work hours, and disability claims, amounting to millions annually
Firefighters often report feeling a "moral injury" related to their inability to save lives or prevent disaster, which can exacerbate PTSD symptoms
Retired firefighters with a history of PTSD are at a higher risk for developing other chronic health issues, such as cardiovascular disease

Impact of Firefighting on Mental Well-being Interpretation

Despite being the bravest on the frontlines, nearly 60% of firefighters feel unprepared for the emotional aftermath of their heroism, with stigma and slow mental health response turning their PTSD from a silent foe into a costly and relentless assault on their lives and loved ones.

Interventions and Support Programs

Peer support programs have been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms among firefighters by up to 25%
The use of virtual reality therapy has shown promising results in reducing PTSD symptoms among firefighters, with reported improvements of up to 60%
Firefighter training programs that include mental health components have been shown to reduce the incidence of PTSD
Peer support and debriefing after traumatic events can reduce PTSD prevalence by approximately 15-20%
Public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing stigma have increased help-seeking behaviors among firefighters by about 10-15%
The majority of firefighter PTSD cases can benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy, which has shown to reduce symptoms significantly

Interventions and Support Programs Interpretation

These compelling statistics reveal that while peer support, innovative therapies like virtual reality, and proactive mental health training are crucial tools in the firefighting arsenal, fostering a culture that encourages help-seeking and reduces stigma remains the backbone of effectively combating PTSD among our brave first responders.

Mental Health Conditions and Symptoms

Post-incident PTSD can persist in firefighters for years if not properly treated
The time from trauma exposure to development of PTSD symptoms can range from one month to several years
About 35% of firefighters with PTSD experience hypervigilance and increased startle response
PTSD symptoms in firefighters often co-occur with anxiety disorders, with prevalence estimates around 30%
PTSD in firefighters is associated with a higher incidence of substance use as a coping mechanism, with some studies indicating up to 25%
Approximately 25% of firefighters who experience PTSD meet criteria for comorbid depression, significantly impacting recovery

Mental Health Conditions and Symptoms Interpretation

Despite their heroic images, firefighters face a silent aftershock—PTSD—that can linger and evolve over years, often entangling them with anxiety, substance misuse, and depression, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support as vital as their firefighting gear.

Prevalence and Demographic Factors

Approximately 30% of firefighters experience symptoms of PTSD at some point in their careers
Firefighters are two times more likely to develop PTSD than the general population
About 19% of firefighters with PTSD also suffer from depression
A study found that 43% of firefighters screened positive for alcohol misuse, which is often linked to PTSD
Firefighters are at a higher risk of suicidal ideation, with estimates suggesting between 15-20% have contemplated suicide
Around 25% of firefighters report symptoms consistent with PTSD
The prevalence of PTSD among volunteer firefighters is approximately 20%
Studies suggest that nearly 50% of firefighters experience sleep disturbances, correlating with PTSD symptoms
The incidence of PTSD increases with years of service in firefighting
Firefighters are 9 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts compared to the general population
Firefighters exposed to repeated trauma have a cumulative risk for PTSD, with some studies estimating up to 40% prevalence in such populations
The average age of firefighters diagnosed with PTSD is around 40 years old
Female firefighters are more likely to develop PTSD than their male counterparts, with some studies indicating up to 40%
Approximately 15% of firefighters diagnosed with PTSD also meet criteria for substance abuse disorder
The rate of PTSD among firefighters working in urban settings is higher than those in rural areas
The lifetime prevalence of PTSD among firefighters varies widely but can be as high as 45% in some populations
Suicide rates among firefighters are 1.5 times higher than the national average, highlighting urgent mental health intervention needs
The prevalence of PTSD among firefighters varies globally, with some countries reporting rates as high as 50%, indicating cultural and systemic differences impact prevalence

Prevalence and Demographic Factors Interpretation

Given that nearly half of firefighters grapple with PTSD—sending many to sleep disturbances, depression, substance misuse, and contemplating suicide—it's clear that battling flames is only part of their firefight; addressing the silent mental health epidemic within their ranks is an urgent call to action.