Adam Sauer

Professor Massey

ENC1101

April 18, 2018

Outline: PTSD in first responders

Introduction: I think its important for everyone to know the high rates of PTSD in first

responders and how it affects the lives of the first responders who help us during times of

emergency. When people think of first responders they usually think of police officers and

firefighters, but it also extends to those who work in the call centers taking the emergency calls

or dispatch officers. Its also those who work in the EMT/EMS (emergency medical technician /

services) paramedics whether it is a private ambulance company or attached to a fire station, to

including people registered as search and rescue They need help themselves because the daily

grind of their jobs are difficult on the body and mind. It is crucial in how it affects their

judgement when dealing with a situation.

I) Topic Sentence: Depression brought on by PTSD among first responders often leads to

suicide. Previously it has been the norm among those in certain jobs, especially first

responders to not talk about the things they’ve seen and how they make them feel.it is a

stigma of showing weakness and the fear of losing a job they love.
 A) “Suicides among first responders, often driven by emotional strain in a culture that long

has discouraged showing weakness, are too common, according to organizations that

track the deaths.” (Newland 32)

B) “one in 15 paramedics and EMTs has attempted suicide. That rate is more than ten times

higher than for the general population.” (Newland 32)

C) “Sensory details from bad experiences can stick with first responders, triggering

emotional responses at unexpected times” (Newland 32)

II) Topic Sentence: with better understanding of PTSD and how it affects the lives of everyone,

not just those in the military and first responder’s better treatment is coming out on how to

deal with peoples broken minds. Resiliency is key in treating symptoms Before and after they

arise.

A) “In his more than 20 years of service as a firefighter and paramedic, Kupietz has yet to

have a troubled coworker approach him directly. “It’ll be the wife who calls up and says

‘I think there’s a problem with my husband,’” he said. “Many firefighters think it’s a sign

of weakness. Those of us in leadership positions are trying to change that idea.” “

(Chua)

B) “In addition to regular debriefing sessions, it’s important to train firefighters to look out

for signs, both in one another and their own selves, that someone is having a hard time.

“Fire officers should know that what’s not being said is just as important for gauging the

effect of a call on their crews,” said Kupietz. “We have to teach resilience and how to

keep stressors at bay so they don’t affect daily life.” “ (Chua)

 C) “But how do you teach resilience? There’s not a one-size-fits-all solution and the best

thing you can do is understand the individuals you’re working with, believes Kupietz. For

some, making time for a walk or committing to a hobby might be important. For others, it

might simply be spending time with their family or playing with their dogs after a

difficult day.” (Chua)

III) Topic Sentence: PTSD rates among Fire fighters, paramedics, and police offices who face

multiple trauma events compound and only worsen over time. Especially those in Rural areas

due to the personal experience in dealing with someone who can either be a friend of family

member.

A) “Unlike the general population, many first responders will be exposed to traumatic events

numerous times during their career. Thus, possibly, as a result of multiple exposures,

lifetime prevalence of PTSD in first responders can be as high as 32 % , compared with

estimates in the general population of 6–14 %” (Walker 9)

B) “in 2017 103 firefighters and 140 police officers committed suicide, and 93 firefighters

and 129 officers died in the line of duty, which includes shootings, stabbings, drownings

and car accidents on the job.” (Miriam Heyman 19)

C) “Some of the more pertinent findings were that 85% of the first responders had

experienced symptoms related to mental health issues, One third of them were formally

diagnosed with either depression or PTSD” (Miriam Heyman)

IV) Topic Sentence: Our most forgotten first responders are the 911 phone operators and

dispatchers. They are usually the first to get word of a tragic event and listen in to the phone

calls or the radio chatter between the first responders. Sometimes 911 call operators have to

listen to the last words of someone before they pass away.. these are not easy things to do,

knowing you are the last person to talk to someone before they usually face a tragic and

horrific death.

A) “The most commonly identified ‘worst’ calls were those involving the unexpected injury

or death of a child, followed by suicidal callers, shootings involving police officers, and

calls involving the unexpected death of an adult.” (Heather 212)

B) “Participants reported experiencing fear, helplessness or horror in reaction to 32 per cent

of different types of calls” (Heather 211)

C) “3.5 per cent of dispatchers reported symptoms severe enough to qualify for a diagnosis

of PTSD.” (Heather 212)

V) Topic Sentence: Programs to help first responders out there are growing, along with the

better understanding of the effects of dealing with trauma every day on the job. Programs to

help those that are first responders are usually small or within those cities, sometimes none

exist at all in some departments. That’s why organizations like the code green project are

trying to provide universal help to all first responders.

A) “code green campaign was founded to help first responders share their stories

anonymously” (Farina)
 B) “Bring awareness to the high rates of mental health issues in first responders and reduce

them. Eliminate the stigma that prevents people from admitting these issues and asking

for help” (Farina)

C) “The Code Green Campaign® was founded in March of 2014 by a group of EMS

professionals after they became aware of the high rate of PTSD (post-traumatic stress

disorder) and suicide among first responders” (Farina)

Conclusion: As we can see to bring awareness to a crisis amongst our first responders is

extremely important. Why should we turn our backs on those who give all to strangers when we

are in need of help. It is our obligation as a society to care for those who give their lives for us,

no matter what the circumstances.