Inside EMS: How First Responders Cope with Trauma, PTSD, and the Need for Mental Health Support

When you dial 911, the first people to arrive are often firefighters, police, or EMS (Emergency Medical Services) workers like paramedics. They rush into dangerous, upsetting, and unpredictable situations almost every day. But what happens when those “calls” start to hurt the helpers themselves? In episode 38 of the “When The Call Hits Home” podcast, guest Mike Mudd who spent 25 years as a paramedic shares his story about coping with tough experiences, PTSD, and why EMS Mental Health is so important.

Life in EMS: Not All Lights and Sirens

EMS workers have important jobs, and they see it all: accidents, sickness, emergencies, and even death. Mike describes that being a paramedic is more than just flashing lights and speeding to help people. There’s a lot of waiting, then suddenly having to react to emergencies like delivering a baby or responding to a car crash. Mike explains, “It’s 80% boring, not-really-EMS stuff, and 20% of the craziest things you can imagine.”

But those wild moments can stick in someone’s mind, especially the sad, scary, or dangerous ones.

Trauma and PTSD: The Unseen Battle

Mike talks about how EMS workers, including himself, weren’t given good tools to process trauma. When something terrible happened, there were “no mechanisms.” Mostly, people were told to “suck it up” and get back out there. Critical incidents, like seeing people die or being part of rescue attempts that don’t end well, don’t just disappear once the shift ends.

Over time, the pain can pile up. Mike shares, “A lot of stuff stuck with people. A lot of people leave the field or become just bitter, angry people.” He admits that for him, it took leaving EMS and talking with other former medics to realize, “You know what, I have PTSD, too.”

Why EMS Mental Health Support Matters

For years, there wasn’t much help for EMS workers facing mental health difficulties. Mike wishes “we had been able to have the mental health system set up when we had a critical incident.” This might include talking to a counselor, taking some time off after hard calls, or even making mental health checkups mandatory.

He explains, “People need to be made to do this, if nothing else, during a critical event.” Otherwise, EMS workers lock away feelings of sadness, anger, or fear, and that can lead to problems like depression, burnout, or even thoughts of suicide.

Breaking the Stigma: It’s Okay to Ask for Help

One reason mental health support is tough in EMS is because of “macho” culture. People feel like they have to act strong and handle anything, even when it hurts. But, as Mike says, “Not everybody can. I thought I could.” He encourages EMS workers today not to feel ashamed or weak if they need help.

Mike also gives advice to leaders: just see your people, recognize their hard work, and let them know it’s okay to not be okay sometimes.

How You Can Support EMS Mental Health

EMS Mental Health isn’t just the responsibility of workers and leaders – it’s something communities can help with too. Here are some ideas:

Thank EMS Workers: Show appreciation for the tough jobs they do.
Spread Awareness: Talk about mental health so the stigma goes away.
Support Good Policies: Encourage local governments to fund EMS mental health programs.
Be Kind: Remember, first responders are humans with feelings. A smile or kind word means a lot.

Moving Forward: Hope and Healing

The podcast episode ends with Mike sharing how he’s learned to focus on happiness, surround himself with positive people, and honor the tough times by living well. He reminds listeners that it is always possible to ask for help, and that it’s not a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of strength.

Mental health care for EMS workers is growing, but there’s still progress to be made. The more we talk about EMS Mental Health, the better life and work can be for those who come when we call for help.

Connect with Mike:

🔗 Website: https://www.mikemuddrealtor.com/

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikemuddrealtor

🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.mudd.188?mibextid=wwXIfr

Email: mike@semonin.com

Thank you Mike for joining us!

If you want to hear more real stories from people inside the world of first responders, check out “When The Call Hits Home” podcast!