Key Takeaways
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- There are many excellent resources to support First Responder mental health. We will continue to update this resource list as new links become available.
Are there resources supporting first responder mental health?
First responders experience a myriad of emotions and stress before, during, and after providing care of their patients. Cardiac arrest calls are one of the most serious and challenging duty calls we respond to. The low survival rate of patients in cardiac arrest may incur feelings of helplessness in you, the first responder.
In addition, first responders receive little to no training in how to effectively communicate the news of a patient’s death to the patient’s family and loved ones. Dealing with these stressors requires a knowledge of the effects of trauma and signs to watch out for, as well as understanding the importance of resilience.
National Resources
These resources can be accessed via the internet, text message, or phone.
Aiming to bring awareness to the high rates of mental health issues in first responders and reduce them. Eliminating the stigma that prevents people from admitting these issues and asking for help. Educating first responders on self-care and peer care and advocating for systemic change in how mental health issues are addressed by first responder agencies.
ResponderStrong is proud to be in partnership with NDRI Ventures. It’s a collaboration between emergency responders and advocates (clinicians, educators, researchers, health care organizations, and foundations). ResponderStrong’s mission is to improve mental health support for emergency responders and families through joint focuses on intervention and prevention. Their site serves as a resource map for responder-informed crisis and clinical services as well as easily accessible educational content and tools for responders, families, leaders, and the clinicians who work with them. Through strategic partnerships, ResponderStrong has also created custom educational content covering relationships, stress management, and resiliency in response to community needs assessments.
EMS Mental Health | National Association of EMTs
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals, and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public.
Call 800-950-6264 Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. — 10 p.m., ET, or send an email to info@nami.org
Emergency Responder Crisis Text Line
This free, confidential service is available 24/7 for all emergency responders. Connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Text “BADGE” to 741741
CCS provides free, confidential, professional and immediate support for any mental health, substance use or emotional concern, 24/7/365.
Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255 to speak to a trained professional.
First Responder Crisis Support Helpline
24-hour national service for Emergency Responders and their families from the Volunteer Firefighter Alliance
Call 844-550-HERO (4376)
A 24-hour helpline that helps firefighters, EMTs, and their family members identify local resources in their area, or locate national treatment options that work within their needs and insurance capabilities
Call 888-731-FIRE (3473)
24-hour firefighter and family crisis support phone line
Call 844-525-FIRE (3473)
24-hour crisis support line for law enforcement officers and their families
Call 800-267-5463
Counseling, Therapy, Mental Health Practitioners
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
“Our practice is solely dedicated to providing the best possible care, and to restoring the resilience of first responders, veterans and their family members.”
IAFF/IAFC Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI)
IAFF Wellness-Fitness Initiative
Death Communication Training
Resources About Suicide Prevention and Awareness
Retrieved From: 988 Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We’re committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.
Relevant Texts Written By Clinicians/First Person Accounts
Thank you to our contributors
Hilary Gates
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