First Responders and the Toll on Their Health

and to know exactly what to do. In scary, dangerous, or life-threatening situations, they’re the ones tasked with saving us. But their work can have a major, negative impact on their mental and physical health. So who’s looking out for them?

On this episode: First responders, the toll the job takes — and what helps them cope.

ALSO HEARD:

• We talk with retired police commander Patrick Fitzgibbons about the mental health challenges first responders face, the evolution of debriefings as a tool for processing traumatic calls, and the stigma against opening up. Fitzgibbons is the program lead at Shatterproof FHE Health, a specialized addiction and mental health treatment program for first responders, and host of the Criminal Justice Evolution podcast.
• A little over two years ago, the U.S. launched 988 — a national suicide and crisis prevention number that connects people with counsellors when they need help. Since then, the hotline has proven a success, answering millions of calls and texts. But for the counselors answering these calls, the work can take a serious mental and emotional toll. Reporter Alan Yu talks with counselors and crisis center leaders about what they have learned about how to support themselves as they support other people in their times of need.