A eficácia de um protocolo de acompanhamento contínuo da saúde mental na corporação bombeiro militar

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous mental health monitoring for operational military firefighters, considering the relevance of this care for preventing mental disorders and improving work performance. The rationale lies in recognizing that these professionals are daily exposed to stressful and traumatic events that affect their quality of life, increasing the risk of developing conditions such as occupational stress and burnout. The methodology consisted of bibliographic research and documentary analysis of scientific studies, as well as the examination of programs already implemented in different Brazilian states, including proposals for interventions and health protocols aimed at military corporations. The main results indicated that the prevalence of stressful events among firefighters is high, with emphasis on occurrences involving fatalities, child care, and accidents with colleagues, in addition to work overload and organizational shortcomings. These factors were shown to negatively impact psychological and social balance, increasing the rates of common mental disorders and emotional exhaustion. It was also observed that periodic monitoring initiatives and mental health promotion programs help reduce firefighters’ vulnerability, strengthen their coping strategies, and improve adaptation capacity. It is concluded that the creation of a continuous multidisciplinary mental health monitoring protocol within the Military Fire Brigade of Amazonas may represent an essential measure to preserve professionals’ health, enhance the quality of operational response, and promote greater individual and collective well-being.