First responders falling through the cracks: EMTs battle PTSD, depression on the job | Nightline

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  • Опубліковано 3 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 141

  • @doc693
    @doc693 3 роки тому +36

    I have been a paramedic for 28 years and it has ruined my life with ptsd

    • @KellyTheReiss
      @KellyTheReiss 2 роки тому +8

      I'm so sorry to hear about that. Stay strong. You're awesome!🎉

    • @doc693
      @doc693 Рік тому +5

      @@KellyTheReiss Thank you for caring

    • @ryandick7264
      @ryandick7264 Рік тому +5

      You have one of the most difficult and impactful jobs on the planet. I know what doesn’t make up for it, howeve I have nothing but respect for people like you.

    • @bostongirl3507
      @bostongirl3507 Рік тому +3

      Same! Stay strong! I was just looking for First Responder support group near Boston, we have nothing here! Thinking about looking into starting one. Just know you are not alone!

    • @doc693
      @doc693 Рік тому +4

      @@bostongirl3507 I am here always, my ear is always open.

  • @antheiheiant
    @antheiheiant Рік тому +9

    I am an ocean lifeguard and military rescue swimmer. PTSD in first responders and other emergency workers is a real deal. I am eternally passionate about what I do and I can't see myself ever stopping. But the quint essence of it all is, that you are with people on the worst day of their lives every day. But you can never ever have a "worst day of your life" yourself. As mentioned in the video, there is nobody to back you up, because you're already the backup. No therapist in the world can reach those images that are etched in your mind, because they've never seen anything like it. You have to learn self rescue and have a good community under your workmates to not go under yourself.

    • @voidofmisery4810
      @voidofmisery4810 Рік тому

      untrue. therapist can absolutely help you reach those images in your mind, in fact thats how you process it. the pessimistic view is just that, a perspective, which can be altered.

  • @jrno93
    @jrno93 2 роки тому +15

    always had mad respect for EMS and fire response

  • @INFECTION112
    @INFECTION112 Рік тому +8

    Had my mandated 12 hour shift yesterday for the NREMT, got a call an hour before shift was over for someone who wasn't breathing. I fumbled the LUCAS, didn't have a lot of training because of a fast track system we have. Didn't know how to get the BVM ready, dropped almost everything I picked up to pass to my preceptor, didn't know where stuff was in our airway bag because I didn't get a chance to familiarize myself with where everything was. We worked the patient for over half an hour even though he had a DNR, because their spouse wasn't ready to lose them. They didn't make it.
    I blamed myself, I blamed their family, I blamed my school for not giving me enough time to learn what I needed to learn to save the patient. What I didn't realize is that it's an essential experience for anyone in the medical field and I happened to get it my first day of field training. I'll never forget the way their room smelled, the look on their face, how hot the house was, how angry my preceptor was, and how sorry he was after it was over. I thought I'd gotten all my tears out, but I woke up this morning and started bawling again and curled against my girlfriend for support.
    Please tell the people in your life how you feel about them. You don't know when it'll help them get through tough times.

    • @s1rm0rr1lswdsx3
      @s1rm0rr1lswdsx3 Рік тому +1

      Bro same i just started and it's stressing me out trying to figure out and learn how everything works while treating a patient.

  • @SanAntonioRosie
    @SanAntonioRosie 3 роки тому +16

    Texas state EMT here. 16 yrs on the truck.
    Stay safe out there people. ❤️

    • @dimondlord11
      @dimondlord11 3 роки тому +1

      Dam man your a trooper I lasted 5 years

    • @shawnmendrek3544
      @shawnmendrek3544 Рік тому

      any advice? not EMT, but thinking about it how is your mental health from this job ?

    • @em23
      @em23 Рік тому

      ​@shawnmendrek3544 I'm a veteran and was diagnosed with ptsd but I held an emt certification. Your mental health may be affected by the constant stress from calls and the numerous emergency conditions you will potentially face. We're kind of like sponges, we may not think it but seeing trauma over and over again will get to us.

    • @shawnmendrek3544
      @shawnmendrek3544 Рік тому

      Yea makes sense. So even after yo udealt with PTSD prior it still built up? That sucks.@@em23

  • @daviddavidson9681
    @daviddavidson9681 2 роки тому +16

    17 years in EMS and 3 years in 911 dispatch. I am truly fucked.

    • @BryantR93006
      @BryantR93006 4 місяці тому

      Is it a good career to go into besides the depression and PTSD?..

    • @Devilman6066
      @Devilman6066 3 місяці тому

      11 years. No.

  • @shawnmendrek3544
    @shawnmendrek3544 Рік тому +2

    Coming from PTSD and d epre ssion, I feel like I am hardened to PSTD. I feel like I am being called to this. Enough about me, let us talk about those who endure this everyday, 4:40 I respect his woman for her program to help those who are in this field. God bless mam,, G od bless. When I tell jobs I have PTSD they look at me different, I undersand. To anyone with PTSD, they do not matter, you do and what 'some' others do matters, God will see you through.
    That man interviewing was not a probing ahole, he was respectful. Thank you sir.
    3:38 you got more tears from me man, coming from a broken home.
    4:44 love this woman's mind and heart, she saved lives.

  • @joeshmoe2141
    @joeshmoe2141 2 роки тому +2

    Virginia EMT here, going on year 3. Your not alone. Much respect for all of you.

  • @Colbyplaneman
    @Colbyplaneman 5 місяців тому

    Volunteer ambulance driver here, I don’t even treat people and I still see truly traumatic instances which keeps me up at night for sure

  • @brayanvazquez9136
    @brayanvazquez9136 Рік тому +5

    4 years in EMS broke me. I know its not many years. I had to stop and I feel like a coward.

    • @mystery3576
      @mystery3576 Рік тому +11

      Nope not a coward. Just a badass who served their community for four years. You are a hero

    • @AB-wq2vy
      @AB-wq2vy 5 місяців тому

      You are not a coward! I have been on the job for 4 years now and I too struggle with mental health. We are human just like our patients. Try to be kind to yourself and talk to your loved ones and do not be afraid to get professional help in time. It has helped me a lot

  • @voidofmisery4810
    @voidofmisery4810 Рік тому +1

    get with a therapist!!!! lets help you understand your trauma, get you informed on supports and relationships, and show u how to lead a full healthy life! i work with EMTS AND FIREFIGHTERS and yall are loved!

  • @DorvellTStewart
    @DorvellTStewart Рік тому +3

    One thing that will definitely help those struggling is if, as a society, we collectively start telling ourselves and each other to open up and share whatever it is we’re feeling/struggling with, rather than this toxic mindset of “put it inside and move on.“; a fat lot of good the latter has done over the years/generations.

    • @shawnmendrek3544
      @shawnmendrek3544 Рік тому +2

      Problem is people just give half hearted responses as if they do not care. Anytime I opened up even at church, I got a silly answer to make me keep it moving without opening up. Most people just do not care. It is a serious problem.

  • @Devilman6066
    @Devilman6066 3 місяці тому

    11 years in and out of emergency medical services. Firefighter/EMT, Private Security EMT, and finally Advanced Life Support. I quit my career in critical care. I took a year off to try to work outside the medical field. I went completely insane and was basically forced into medical leave from severe PTSD. I am now in entry level nursing. I am leagues more skilled than anyone I work with, but I still suffer, and years of therapy haven't helped. Only the medication to keep the debilitating panic attacks under control, does anything for me.

  • @visiblefrequency7005
    @visiblefrequency7005 11 місяців тому +7

    For paramedics and EMT's, there is very little down time because the pay is so low there is no room to take time off and pay the bills

  • @nextbestmedic6944
    @nextbestmedic6944 9 місяців тому +1

    Been in EMS for the last 5 years 2 almost 3 as an EMT and just about 2 and a half as a paramedic. The one thing that has saved me is being autistic. Weirdly enough. You wouldn't be able to tell if you only met me for 45 minutes of my life. But after a time you would know. I have emotions but I process them different. When a critical call drops amongst the chaos I just heard silence and peace. I have no emotions during or after the call. It's just a call. There will be another

  • @JoseyWales845
    @JoseyWales845 8 місяців тому +1

    I worry about my son and his girlfriend. He is a police officer she is EMT first responder. They only knew each other 6 months until she became pregnant. Now with 2 small children they are having problems with daycare. His last girlfriend found out about his new girl. She went straight home and packed her things. We spoke after their breakup. She informed me he went crazy and tried to kill himself. He has admitted to me that he drinks regularly and has an anger problem. This troubles me knowing if he can't handle the girlfriend leaving him with no children attached. What will he do when she decides to leave while in school to become a NP.

  • @normantheforeman9866
    @normantheforeman9866 9 місяців тому +1

    I have struggled to set up healthy habits outside of full time paramedic work. I do 24hr on and 48 off. I have been paramedic level for 2 years almost and am feeling burnt out. This next year I am to just do local level EMS at advanced EMT level, just as a side job and find something else full time

  • @CyanoticFuture
    @CyanoticFuture Рік тому +1

    We ever going to address that Covid was totally overblown ( The CDC itself has admitted..at least TWICE the numbers were overhyped and the majority of measures taken were not needed) and the effect that had on first responders?

  • @thewalkstreet9423
    @thewalkstreet9423 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks for the news 🙏

  • @emt8756
    @emt8756 2 роки тому +4

    Illinois EMT. Just began my career.

    • @Blacktooth-yr7ck
      @Blacktooth-yr7ck 2 роки тому +6

      Been on the job for 10yrs and some wise words of advice. 1) You know nothing yet, listen to the senior providers and do as your told. 2) Jump in and get your hands dirty. What I mean by that is you have to embrace taking calls as the lead provider. It’s nerve racking at first but it’s the only way to overcome it. 3) Always keep learning and never get complacent. 4) Stay out of politics and focus on the job. 5) Take care of yourself on and off the job. 6) Remember why you wanted to do this 7) Remember that it’s okay to not be okay. This job takes a toll on us, and it will eat you alive if you let it. Seek help if you need it. Take care and have a great career! Be safe!

  • @SithlordPlanespotter94
    @SithlordPlanespotter94 10 місяців тому

    I been the Firefighter Volunteer for 7 years Lucky for me I retire as Youngster

  • @msk.7878
    @msk.7878 Рік тому

    Incredible ❤

  • @dulynoted2427
    @dulynoted2427 3 роки тому +4

    Psychedelic Mushrooms

    • @SUGAR_XYLER
      @SUGAR_XYLER 3 роки тому +1

      🍄

    • @boanless
      @boanless Рік тому +1

      Maybe yeah. Could also make it worse.

  • @juanvelasquez7067
    @juanvelasquez7067 2 роки тому

    Is what going to happen when go for bar exam in EMS suicidal with lots of hours of training

  • @michellestepp7733
    @michellestepp7733 Рік тому

    What a joke no one gives a damn ! Down time!? lmao !! Good jokes buddy!!

  • @elmerfudd5193
    @elmerfudd5193 3 роки тому +3

    You can save some people sometime, but ya can’t save all the people all the time.

  • @Justwork629
    @Justwork629 10 місяців тому

    🙏🏽

  • @juanvelasquez7067
    @juanvelasquez7067 2 роки тому

    I seem to know but what is he mother answer nature .

  • @Kj_Banzo
    @Kj_Banzo 3 роки тому

    Me

  • @bluegirl4502
    @bluegirl4502 3 роки тому

    Oh no 😩

  • @GaasubaMeskhenet
    @GaasubaMeskhenet 3 роки тому

    We could have just paid people to stay home

    • @suhtorii1931
      @suhtorii1931 3 роки тому +1

      We really could’ve tho lmao

  • @thehuntress8850
    @thehuntress8850 3 місяці тому +1

    They absolutely will f***ing ruin your career if you open up. So if you're willing to play Russian Roulette with your career, then go ahead & open up!!!!!!

    • @thehuntress8850
      @thehuntress8850 3 місяці тому

      Some bosses use it as a weeding out process.

  • @maciemarshall4642
    @maciemarshall4642 11 місяців тому

    It’s only been six months and the mask is starting to slip…. I’m hurting

  • @Kj_Banzo
    @Kj_Banzo 3 роки тому

    To

  • @johndavis9665
    @johndavis9665 Рік тому

    Covid-19 is the least of my worries.

  • @shaunkarrick7027
    @shaunkarrick7027 Рік тому +1

    "covid" lol. yeah because that was a huge threat

  • @Bluelightcheaphotel
    @Bluelightcheaphotel 3 роки тому +1

    This is news?

  • @dripseek_edits61720
    @dripseek_edits61720 3 роки тому

    Early

  • @shaunstark4263
    @shaunstark4263 3 роки тому +3

    I would be depressed too, if I worked for Satan.

    • @diveadventures9897
      @diveadventures9897 2 роки тому

      Woah… when have firefighters and paramedics ever been working for satan lmfao?? I think your reality is twisted bud, I think you meant police. 😬

    • @Dan804
      @Dan804 Рік тому +1

      ??

    • @marknorris1381
      @marknorris1381 Рік тому

      How do we know you don't?

    • @shaunstark4263
      @shaunstark4263 Рік тому

      @@marknorris1381 if you knew my Father, you would know me.

    • @marknorris1381
      @marknorris1381 Рік тому

      @@shaunstark4263 so now you're our saviour Jesus Christ. You will be brought to account for this sort of stuff one day when you face the Lord.

  • @tristanruby3351
    @tristanruby3351 3 роки тому

    I’ve been working as a nurse in our prisons as a frontline responder. Our Dems don’t give a dam! I’m dealing with so much, with loss of life and work non stop. The Dems don’t give a dam!

  • @MrMaWis-xh3zr
    @MrMaWis-xh3zr 3 роки тому +2

    This is the job they chose to do STOP whining!!
    if they can't handle it find someone else to do!!!
    I my self was a cemetery caretaker for 2 cemetery's a private+a Veteran's so I have seen DEATH up close and personal& saw the stuff that NO One talk's about devices that fail and caskets flip & open up, I even have disinturned a child's bones to re buari it when the mother finally died ! Plus a lot more gruesome things that only cemetery workers know about
    The thing is is to DETACH from it it is a JOB if it is getting to thea's people so much it is TIME to change & rethink there CARE'S!! & STOP Whining about it!!
    It is so much fun posting comments and watching people FREEK OUT !!!🤣🤣🤣🤷

    • @codnoob92225_
      @codnoob92225_ 3 роки тому +7

      Shut up

    • @soup4dasoul253
      @soup4dasoul253 3 роки тому +10

      RN's decided to become RN's. MD's decided to become MD's. Firefighters decided to become Firefighters. Paramedics decided to become paramedics. EMTs decided to become EMTs. We choose to save lives, respond to the twin towers, respond in times of need, response to heart attacks, strokes, and so much more. In that process, people may forget we're human. We're human, and that's more than okay.
      Mental health is vital for everyone. And especially for those who are in control of other people's lives.

    • @cherylcarlson3315
      @cherylcarlson3315 3 роки тому

      What job do you do where you put yourself out to help others? Will anyone even care when you die?

    • @StevenPermuy
      @StevenPermuy 3 роки тому +1

      @@MrMaWis-xh3zrdoes your mother like you?

    • @MrMaWis-xh3zr
      @MrMaWis-xh3zr 3 роки тому +1

      @@cherylcarlson3315was cemetery caretaker for 2 cemeteries= 9+ys a Veteran's cemetery & private one so I have seen it all DEATH up close and personal but I never once whined about it I saw people on the worst day of there LIVES & just did the job I was being paid to do!
      I learned to DETACH it was a JOB !
      That is what thea's people NEED to learn to do !!!

  • @thugwafflebro8062
    @thugwafflebro8062 3 роки тому

    Man up

  • @joeshmoe2141
    @joeshmoe2141 2 роки тому +5

    Virginia EMT here, going on year 3. Your not alone. Much respect for all of you.

    • @doc693
      @doc693 Рік тому +2

      Paramedic of 30 years and thank you