SUMMA 112 has activated a psychological support hotline for healthcare workers, firefighters, and agents who participated in extinguishing the Sierra Oeste fires. The Health Minister, Fátima Matute, visited the coordinating centre at the Isabel Zendal Hospital.
The regional government launched a psychological support initiative on Monday aimed at professionals involved in the extinguishing and management of the fires that ravaged the Sierra Oeste. The service, coordinated by SUMMA 112, offers an initial telephone assessment through the emergency number 112.
Health Minister Fátima Matute visited the SUMMA 112 Coordinating Centre, located at the Enfermera Isabel Zendal Hospital, from where these calls are managed. During her visit, she emphasised the commitment of the regional government: “The regional government will not leave anyone alone.”
The aim of this initial assessment, as explained by Matute, is to “determine if they need to be referred to other mental health resources within the Madrid public health system.” Thus, SUMMA 112 psychologists will evaluate the emotional state of each worker and, if necessary, guide them towards specialised care.
The resource is available to a wide group: in addition to healthcare workers, firefighters, forestry brigades, National Police and Civil Guard agents, members of the Military Emergency Unit (UME), local police, and forest agents can also request it. All of them can call 112 and receive direct assistance.
This measure is part of the package of actions designed by the Community of Madrid for the reconstruction of the Sierra Oeste, one of the areas most affected by the wildfires declared in the region. The initiative aims to alleviate the psychological effects that the emergency has left on those who worked on the ground.
During the ten days of the emergency, clinical psychologists from SUMMA 112 already carried out intensive work. They coordinated the intervention of volunteers from the Red Cross and the Official College of Psychology of Madrid, providing assistance to hundreds of affected individuals in more than 250 interventions, both individual and group.
These actions focused on the initial emotional effects stemming from uncertainty and the situation experienced, as well as the impact of losing homes and material possessions. They also addressed the distress associated with returning to the affected municipalities, a process that can be particularly hard for residents.
Now, with this new service, support is extended to professionals who were on the front lines. The minister has insisted that the initiative responds to a need identified during the emergency and that the regional government wants to ensure that “no one is left without the necessary support” after weeks of intense work and exposure to extreme situations.
The Enfermera Isabel Zendal Hospital, where the Coordinating Centre is located, has become a key point in the region's health response. From there, calls are managed and referrals to public mental health resources are coordinated, if professionals require it.
The Community of Madrid has reminded that the service is confidential and free, designed to provide a swift and close response. Interested individuals can call 112 at any time and will be attended by clinical psychologists experienced in emergencies.
This measure adds to other actions already announced for the reconstruction of the Sierra Oeste, such as financial aid for those affected and the repair of infrastructure. The regional government has reiterated its commitment to the area and to all those who contributed to extinguishing the fires.
For residents of the affected municipalities, the news also has a practical component: the service is not only intended for professionals, but support for the general population remains active through mental health resources. Those who have experienced the emergency and feel the need for support can visit their health centre or call 112.
The minister concluded her visit by thanking all the teams that participated in the extinguishing efforts, insisting that taking care of their mental health is a priority for the regional government. The service is already operational and will remain in place as long as necessary.
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