This past week, Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law bipartisan legislation to establish a mental health and stress management program for first responders, while the state fire commissioner announced some new online resources that fulfill the same purpose.

Both initiatives are good news. First responders already have difficulty struggling with the aftermath of providing aid at the scene of accidents, fires and other emergencies – the Eagle ran a story last year on how county EMS workers struggled with grief and the emotional stress of their jobs – and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has likely exacerbated this.

The bill – passed unanimously by the Legislature – signed by the governor establishes a mental wellness and stress management program for emergency responders who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or other traumas on the job.

The bill includes a variety of resources, including peer-to-peer programs, training for peer support efforts, a toll-free helpline, statewide and regional stress management support, suicide awareness training and support for nonprofits offering these services.

State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego announced four new courses – which are free of charge to fire and EMS personnel through an online training portal on the TRAIN PA website – covering such topics as being a first responder during a pandemic, how to support fellow first responders and emotions involved in responding to a bad accident or emergency.

“Continuing to ignore the mental health of first responders is simply not an option,” Trego said. “The costs are too great.”

We agree. The stress of responding to horrific accidents and fires – and, more recently, COVID-19-related emergencies – takes its toll on emergency workers.

As a result, they can suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, lack of sleep and mental and behavioral stress.

Trauma suffered by first responders affects their own lives and those of their families, and it could spill over into affecting those they are helping at emergency scenes if those feelings are left untreated.

A 2017 Ruderman Family Foundation study found that more first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty, while the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance estimates that only 40 to 45 percent of firefighter suicides are reported as such.

We’re glad to see state legislators taking steps to help first responders cope with the emotional impacts of their jobs – and hope the option to expand these programs is left on the table, especially during these stressful times.

– NCD