First responders are often viewed as the strongest and bravest among us, but many people forget that first responders need support too.
While many people run from dangerous and traumatic situations, police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel are run towards them, which, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, puts them at a higher risk of trauma. Because first responders are considered the bravest and strongest among us, some first responders say the struggles first responders have with mental health often goes unnoticed. This issue of untreated mental health, which firefighter Blake Stinnet says is often overlooked, can have devastating effects.
While many people run from dangerous and traumatic situations, police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel are run towards them, which, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, puts them at a higher risk of trauma. Because first responders are considered the bravest and strongest among us, some first responders say the struggles first responders have with mental health often goes unnoticed. This issue of untreated mental health, which firefighter Blake Stinnet says is often overlooked, can have devastating effects.