Are there warning signs in your department you’re missing? In this episode, learn five red flags that signal it’s time to build—or rebuild—a peer support team that actually works.

Is your department ignoring the signs that your people are struggling?

When good people are burning out, leaving the job, or silently suffering through trauma, it’s not “just part of the job.” It’s a red flag. And if you don’t have a trusted, structured peer support team in place, the damage may already be happening under the surface.

Many organizations don’t act until something breaks—but by then, it might be too late.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through five warning signs that show your agency needs a peer support program—and what happens if you choose to ignore them. Whether you’re thinking about starting a team or realizing the one you have isn’t working, this episode gives you the clarity (and push) to take action.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The five red flags that reveal a lack of peer support
• What happens when you don’t act early enough
• How to turn things around with a team your people will actually trust

You don’t have to wait for tragedy to do the right thing. You can start building the support your team needs today.

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Citations:

(2023, April 26). First Responders Suffering in Silence. Common Ground. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://commongroundhelps.org/first-responders-suffering-in-silence/

(2024, October 31). Peer Support for First Responders: Insights from an Expert. FHE Health. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://fherehab.com/learning/peer-support-first-responders

FEMA (2019, October 19). Strategies to Improve Firefighter Mental Health Awareness in the Dayton Fire Department. Fema.go

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Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.