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PTSD and First Responders
Photo Credit: Jeremy Garris
I live on a busy street that provides the only east-west connection between two major highways in our community. Although the area has a rural feel, highlighted by orchards, stables, and farms, the speed limit on our road is 55 mph. On weekends, I never fail to hear at least half a dozen emergency vehicles responding to a crisis.
With the sound of every siren, I stop in my tracks and pray.
Someone’s life is crashing and burning. And a first responder is jumping into the fire beside them.
According to a recent article in The Times Columnist, an estimated 25-30% of paramedics suffer from PTSD. A similar statistic holds true for firefighters, EMTs, and police officers. In a 2003 survey of Michigan police officers, 31% reported that they had experienced PTSD following traumatic on-the-job events and were exhibiting symptoms:
- re-experiencing events
- inability to sleep
- anger and rage
- triggers (sights, sounds, sensations, smells)
- anxiety and panic
- avoidance of places and people
- intrusive memories
- isolation and loss of interest in former activities
The following organizations offer PTSD-specific assistance to first responders:
Someone you know courageously works on the front lines of crisis intervention. Perhaps that person is you. And perhaps the time to talk to someone about help is now.
