First Responder Trauma Counseling

Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance for firefighters, disaster workers, police officers, paramedics, EMTs and others who arrive early at the scene of a tragedy, medical emergency or crisis to provide what help they can as well as in some cases, assistance for their families. First responders who are repeatedly exposed to these conditions may become emotionally troubled by their experiences and develop bouts of anger, pain and sadness as well as insomnia. Others may develop serious reactions to the stress including moderate to severe depression, signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other anxiety disorders, or be at high risk of developing a substance use disorder or resorting to suicide. Some programs may also provide trauma counseling for 911 operators, correctional workers and border services officers, or others whose line of work makes them vulnerable to emotional trauma.