First Responder trying to respond to themselves in battle against PTSD

First responders and PTSD: Stressed into silence

Author: WHAS Staff
December 10, 2018

Our first responders answer the calls on our worst days. Over time, their exposure to the stresses of the job and traumatic events can take a toll on their mental health. But few will openly talk about it. There's a stigma that comes with this discussion and we're trying to break it.

One of the biggest dangers our first responders face today is Post Traumatic Stress, more often referred to as PTSD.

First responders are often ignored and under-appreciated and for many who struggle - they struggle in silence. They'll tell you there is a fear that asking for help is a sign of 'weakness.' It's not.

Join us next week (December 17th - 21st) as we investigate and attempt to break that stigma. We look to uncover institutional problems and show innovative solutions to help those suffering from PTSD.

Be sure to watch our Battle After the Blaze coverage where we looked into firefighters across Kentuckiana that were facing a health threat that surfaced years after fighting fires and saving lives.
read more here

Stressed into silence: When the worst calls hit home for first responders

911 dispatchers communicate with us during our worst moments and those calls can continue to haunt them long after they've disconnected.

Author: Brooke Hasch

December 17, 2018

LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) — First responders are handed the worst of what humanity has to offer on a daily basis. Over time, their exposure to these stresses can take a toll on their mental health. But few will openly talk about it.

"No one ever calls us when they're having a good day," Chris Presley, a MetroSafe supervisor, in Louisville. read more here