Fire Chief’s Emotional Breakdown Reveals Hidden Toll on First Responders
The emotional strain on emergency workers after a major fire has come into sharp focus. Fire chief David Vocat, who led the rescue efforts, broke down in tears during a recent interview. His reaction underscores the deep psychological basics taken on first responders.
Vocat described his role as a father figure to his team throughout the operation. The weight of responsibility and personal connections to victims made the experience particularly harrowing. Emergency psychologist Urs Braun later explained that the scale of an incident does not always dictate its psychological impact. Instead, personal involvement and the inability to act effectively often leave lasting scars.
Dispatcher Remo Degani, who has over a decade of experience, admitted that feeling no emotion in distressing situations would worry him. A former qualified paramedic, Degani now works at the emergency call centre in St. Gallen. He relies on peer support groups within his unit, which provide post-incident debriefings and emotional processing. These groups help responders cope with the aftermath of traumatic events.
The psychological effects of the fire are expected to linger for many involved. Vocat’s visible distress during the interview highlighted how deeply the incident has affected those on the front lines.
The fire has left a lasting mark on emergency personnel, with many facing ongoing emotional challenges. Peer support systems and professional guidance will play a key role in their recovery. For now, the focus remains on helping those affected process their experiences and rebuild resilience.
