In which situation may a fire officer refer a department member to an Employee Assistance Program?

A fire officer may refer a department member to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) specifically in situations where the individual's job performance is noticeably affected. The purpose of an EAP is to provide support to employees dealing with personal issues that may impact their work-related responsibilities. Such issues can include stress, mental health concerns, substance abuse, or personal challenges that interfere with their job performance.

The connection between personal challenges and job performance is crucial because firefighters need to maintain a high level of efficiency, safety, and decision-making abilities due to the nature of their work. If a member is struggling with personal problems that manifest in their work—such as decreased focus, attendance issues, or interpersonal conflicts—referring them to an EAP can provide them with the necessary resources to address these issues.

The other options, while potentially serious issues, do not directly connect with the immediate concern of job performance as prominently as the correct answer does. For example, non-payment of child support and use of pain medication might be personal issues, and excessive drinking might signal a problem, but the direct impact on work performance and safety is the primary reason for utilizing an EAP referral.