With 15 years of fire service experience under his belt, Austin Radinzel, who is currently a firefighter and paramedic in St. Paul, knows the toll this job can take on people. Recognizing the struggle many face both on and off the job, he was inspired to become a trained peer supporter through MnFIRE nearly two years ago.

He encourages anyone who is having a hard time to reach out to the MnFIRE Peer Support Program for confidential support and assistance. He knows getting things off your chest can greatly help. He’s also an advocate for getting outside, being active and treating yourself to things you enjoy.

Read more about Austin’s story below:

Tell us about your role and history with the fire service.

My career started at a volunteer fire department in Wisconsin, where I worked for five years while I earned my paramedic license. Once completed, I went to work for Hennepin County Medical Center as a paramedic for four years. Now over the last six years, I’ve been with the St. Paul Fire Department, currently as the senior firefighter/paramedic on Engine/Medic 7, serving the east side of St. Paul.

When and why did you become a MnFIRE peer supporter?

We all know this job is hard, and that one thing might affect someone differently than another. I became a peer supporter nearly two years ago to be a resource for fire service members who are struggling or don’t know what to do. I want to be a resource and others to know it’s without judgment. Too often we hear a little too late or don’t notice that our peers are struggling. I hope that in their moment of need, they remember they can reach out for confidential support. 

What has been most helpful in your role as a peer supporter?

It’s been great to receive training and support to better understand and be able to assist fellow fire service members with whatever they have going on – big or small. It’s definitely opened my eyes to see how many people are out there who want to help others during times of crisis.

What advice can you offer fellow firefighters who may be struggling with their mental health?

Get some sleep. Our jobs are demanding and create a chronic build-up of sleep deprivation and that has a plethora of side effects. Go for a walk or even just sit or stand outside for a few minutes each day. Practice some slow breathing and try to enjoy peaceful moments. Put your body in motion. You don’t need to be super creative. Just go for a walk, run, do a home workout, hit the gym, hike, swim – anything to get your body moving and your blood pumping.

Find something you enjoy and make it a priority to do it regularly, something that helps you decompress. If things are still piling up or something is really clinging to you, please reach out to MnFIRE Peer Support, your family, friends or a doctor. Just talking can help more than you might realize, and we are here to assist.

For those interested in becoming a peer supporter, what should they know about the role?

It can be a rewarding role to help people navigate a difficult situation or problem. But it also can be very stressful as you are dealing with a peer who is at a low point. Fortunately, MnFIRE provides great training that gives us the tools to manage and assist others.

What qualities do you think make a good peer supporter? 

Being a good listener is key. We mostly just listen and allow peers to get stuff off their chests. Empathy and having an open mind also help to be able to see things from another person’s point of view and realize that everything affects people differently.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of the fire service?

Outside of the fire service, I enjoy snowboarding, snowmobiling, skydiving, tending to my bonsai trees, fishing, hiking and video games. I keep myself busy working on anything and everything with an engine (cars, motorcycles, chainsaws and more). I enjoy getting outside and breathing in that fresh air, regardless if it’s 80 or -20 degrees here in Minnesota!

Connect with confidential peer support

MnFIRE Peer Support matches firefighters and family members with trained peer supporters who have a similar background – from rank to size and type of department – and know firsthand the stressors firefighters face, both on and off the job. To access MnFIRE Peer Support, contact 888-784-6634 at any time and select option 2.