First Responder Organization Helps With PTSD
ANGWIN, CALIFORNIA – May 1, 2025 – As we enter into National First Responder Support Month (FRSN) responds to the call for post-traumatic treatment for First Responders.
In the wake of the Palisades and Eaton fires, thousands of first responders across California including firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency medical technicians (EMT) are dealing with critical incident stress related to what they endured during these disasters. While many experiences personal loss themselves, others witness first-hand loss of life, great despair among entire communities, and even elevated incidents of crime. This takes a toll on first responders and often results in their inability to perform their jobs or even normal daily functions in their lives.
"As a volunteer clinician, I've seen first-hand the resilience and healing we are helping to build with participants and their peer community. The impact of these retreats is profound,” said Catherine Bowen Stern, Board President.
FRSN needs help from in reaching out to departments that were active during these incidents and working to provide treatment and scholarships to our retreats for certain responders or their significant others based on financial need.
In line with the trending focus on mental health, First Responder Support Network is aiding first responders across the United States by offering post-traumatic retreats to help first responders and their significant others cope with the stress and mental anguish they experience daily in their roles. A collaboration of licensed clinicians, peers, and chaplains provide evidence-based treatment, intensive debriefing and peer support over 6 days. First responders at our retreats work through traumatic experiences, learn to understand their reactions, and develop skills to deal with painful memories and new critical incidents.
For more than 20 years, FRSN has been a lead provider of support in helping first responders and their significant others cope with the debilitating effects of critical incident stress. They have helped more than 2,000 first responders and their significant others who have attended their trauma retreats in California, Washington, Oregon, Indiana, Arizona, and Kansas. “As most first responders see more trauma in one day than most people see in their entire lives, our retreats seek to get them back to life,” says Doug Vogel, External Affairs Director.
National First Responder Month:
This is a general month-long recognition of all first responders, including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, and other emergency personnel.
National Police Week:
Celebrated the week of May 15th through 21st, this week specifically honors the dedication of law enforcement officers.
National EMS Week:
Also in May, this week recognizes the contributions of Emergency Medical Services professionals, like EMTs and paramedics, who provide vital medical care in emergencies.
International Firefighters' Day:
May 4th is a specific day within the month to thank firefighters for their bravery and dedication.
Other events:
May also includes Public Service Recognition Week (May 7-13) and National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day (May 2), further acknowledging the diverse roles of first responders and related public servants.
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