Chicago Fire Season 14 will focus heavily on the budget cuts that have hit the city.
This is likely to lead to job losses, and we know that Firehouse 51 could face some issues with job losses as a result.
The end of Chicago Fire Season 13 made it clear that Herrmann and Mouch could be in the firing line, simply due to their age, and Mouch’s point that Herrmann could be a future Chief is now moot because Herrmann has demoted himself.
While we are undoubtedly worried about what could come for the firefighters at Firehouse 51, it’s not job losses that should be a primary concern for our favorite characters.
Personally, I’m more worried about the darker side of budget cuts, and it looks like Violet’s arc in Chicago Fire Season 14 is going to deliver that.
It’s all about burnout for Violet and the other medics on Chicago Fire Season 14.
The Chicago Fire Characters Will Be Pushed to the Limit
As more firehouses around them close, Firehouse 51 will receive an increasing number of calls, and they’ll need to cover a larger distance.
When speaking with TV Insider, Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman shared that “Violet’s going to have her hands full having to manage all the ambo calls, especially with all the calls that go on and all the hours they have to put in.”
This means pressure, as Violet needs to make multiple calls a day work out, without necessarily getting a rest herself, and we know what that is like in real life.
Novak is going to face the same issue, and it looks like Capp will also end up suffering, as he’s the medic for Squad 3.
Burnout can lead to a lot of issues, with many of them being damaging to mental health.
Without the necessary breaks, Violet, Novak, and Capp risk suffering from exhaustion, which would lead to them struggling to find joy in their work.
Additionally, they often lack sufficient time to refuel their bodies, which can lead to physical and mental health issues while on the job.
If Capp will be helping as is being hinted, it would suggest that either Violet or Novak needs to take a step back, but then this pulls Capp from his Squad 3 duties, which then puts that side of the firehouse under more strain.
The only thing I will say that’s good about more Capp is that, as one of Chicago Fire’s best background regulars, he may get more time to shine.
The dominoes eventually start falling, and people start leaving a job they once loved, all because closing firehouses is deemed the “easiest” way to deal with budget cuts.
Patients Can Suffer
The budget cuts mentioned in the Chicago Fire season 13 finale not only risk mental health but also other aspects.
One aspect that is often overlooked is how well someone performs the tasks they’re given.
With more pressure surrounding them, they are more likely to make mistakes.
We’ve witnessed firsthand the consequences of poor organization and a high volume of calls in one night.
The ambulance may not be fully stocked in time for the next call, and with burnout, things could deteriorate significantly.
What does this mean for patients who need paramedics to be at their best?
This could then put their jobs at risk, as they appear to be the weak links in the CFD, rather than anyone focusing on the fact that people can’t work well when overworked and burned out.
Let’s not overlook what it could do to the rest of Firehouse 51, as well.
Remember when I said that Capp could end up needing to help on Ambo 61?
What does that mean for Squad 3?
As they end up a man down, they can’t do as much as they should, leading to issues in helping people.
What are your thoughts on the budget cuts and the role they’ll play in the upcoming season?
And, if you’re looking for another show with life-threatening stakes, Doc should be on your watch list. Doc Season 2 just premiered, and we’re already invested.
Drop us a comment below and share this with your friends for a big chat about it.
