A firefighter with a substance abuse problem should:

• A. Be terminated as mandated by federal law
• B. Remain in their normal assignment
• C. Participate in a mandatory critical incident stress debriefing
• D. Be referred to the organization's Employee Assistance Program

Answer: (D)

When a firefighter has a substance abuse problem, the primary aim is safety and recovery through support and treatment. Referring them to the organization’s Employee Assistance Program is the best step because EAPs provide confidential evaluation, counseling, and help with treatment options, while coordinating with the department on workforce needs and return-to-duty plans. This approach treats substance abuse as a health issue and emphasizes rehabilitation, which protects both the individual and the public they serve.

Terminating the employee isn’t an automatic or federal-mandated response to substance abuse, and starting with treatment support is generally the responsible first move. Keeping the person in a normal assignment can raise safety risks if impairment is present. Mandatory critical incident stress debriefing is for processing trauma from specific events and doesn’t address substance abuse or its treatment.