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

First responders often work around the clock, spending time away from family, battling stress and trauma on their own. During the pandemic, every patient must be treated as if they have COVID-19.
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Пікірлер: 142

  • @daviddavidson9681
    @daviddavidson9681 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @doc693
    @doc6932 жыл бұрын

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

  • @MinaBellonaAckerman

    @MinaBellonaAckerman

    2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @doc693

    @doc693

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MinaBellonaAckerman Thank you for caring

  • @ryandick7264

    @ryandick7264

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @antheiheiant
    @antheiheiant Жыл бұрын

    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

    8 ай бұрын

    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
    @jrno932 жыл бұрын

    always had mad respect for EMS and fire response

  • @joeshmoe2141
    @joeshmoe2141 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @doc693

    @doc693

    6 ай бұрын

    Paramedic of 30 years and thank you

  • @INFECTION112
    @INFECTION112 Жыл бұрын

    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

    Жыл бұрын

    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
    @SanAntonioRosie2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @dimondlord11

    @dimondlord11

    2 жыл бұрын

    Dam man your a trooper I lasted 5 years

  • @shawnmendrek3544

    @shawnmendrek3544

    7 ай бұрын

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

  • @em23

    @em23

    7 ай бұрын

    ​@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

    7 ай бұрын

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

  • @Colbyplaneman
    @Colbyplaneman11 күн бұрын

    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
    @brayanvazquez913611 ай бұрын

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

  • @mystery3576

    @mystery3576

    9 ай бұрын

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

  • @AB-wq2vy

    @AB-wq2vy

    10 күн бұрын

    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

  • @shawnmendrek3544
    @shawnmendrek35447 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @thewalkstreet9423
    @thewalkstreet94233 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the news 🙏

  • @DorvellTStewart
    @DorvellTStewart Жыл бұрын

    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

    7 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @visiblefrequency7005
    @visiblefrequency70056 ай бұрын

    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

  • @msk.7878
    @msk.7878 Жыл бұрын

    Incredible ❤

  • @voidofmisery4810
    @voidofmisery48108 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @normantheforeman9866
    @normantheforeman98663 ай бұрын

    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

  • @nextbestmedic6944
    @nextbestmedic69444 ай бұрын

    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
    @JoseyWales8453 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @emt8756
    @emt87562 жыл бұрын

    Illinois EMT. Just began my career.

  • @Blacktooth-yr7ck

    @Blacktooth-yr7ck

    2 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @flightsimgamerdarth94
    @flightsimgamerdarth945 ай бұрын

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

  • @juanvelasquez7067
    @juanvelasquez7067 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @Prodby629
    @Prodby6295 ай бұрын

    🙏🏽

  • @CyanoticFuture
    @CyanoticFuture8 ай бұрын

    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?

  • @bluegirl4502
    @bluegirl45023 жыл бұрын

    Oh no 😩

  • @juanvelasquez7067
    @juanvelasquez7067 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @dulynoted2427
    @dulynoted24273 жыл бұрын

    Psychedelic Mushrooms

  • @SUGAR_XYLER

    @SUGAR_XYLER

    3 жыл бұрын

    🍄

  • @boanless

    @boanless

    8 ай бұрын

    Maybe yeah. Could also make it worse.

  • @Kj_Banzo
    @Kj_Banzo3 жыл бұрын

    Me

  • @elmerfudd5193
    @elmerfudd51933 жыл бұрын

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

  • @population-_-420
    @population-_-4203 жыл бұрын

    In my opinion to be in military or a first responder u cant be afraid to die or of god . its the only way to succeed . move forward. And not be judgemental of ppl of color

  • @soup4dasoul253

    @soup4dasoul253

    3 жыл бұрын

    Sounds like you may be speaking on experience. If you are, I commend you. 🤔 I'd you're not... Many people in the military, first responders, RN's and alike may not be afraid. But that doesn't mean that we don't experience PTSD or trauma. One can have PTSD and not even be aware while they're still completing their tasks. Mental health is vital for everyone. 🥰

  • @realityqueen3173

    @realityqueen3173

    3 жыл бұрын

    @walker This guy youre commenting to spends 24/7 on KZread talking badly about police officers. As if hes a hero for inner city black communities. Theres no changing his mind

  • @deadman4712

    @deadman4712

    2 жыл бұрын

    What? You’re telling me, the people who see death I’m every possible way can’t be scared to die?

  • @MrMcbear

    @MrMcbear

    2 жыл бұрын

    This has nothing to do with the video... Should smoke less weed, your brains clearly malfunctioning.

  • @michellestepp7733
    @michellestepp773310 ай бұрын

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

  • @GaasubaMeskhenet
    @GaasubaMeskhenet3 жыл бұрын

    We could have just paid people to stay home

  • @suhtorii1931

    @suhtorii1931

    2 жыл бұрын

    We really could’ve tho lmao

  • @Kj_Banzo
    @Kj_Banzo3 жыл бұрын

    To

  • @johndavis9665
    @johndavis966511 ай бұрын

    Covid-19 is the least of my worries.

  • @maciemarshall4642
    @maciemarshall46426 ай бұрын

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

  • @Bluelightcheaphotel
    @Bluelightcheaphotel3 жыл бұрын

    This is news?

  • @dripseek_doorsroblox
    @dripseek_doorsroblox3 жыл бұрын

    Early

  • @shaunkarrick7027
    @shaunkarrick7027 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @shaunstark4263
    @shaunstark42633 жыл бұрын

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

  • @diveadventures9897

    @diveadventures9897

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    8 ай бұрын

    ??

  • @marknorris1381

    @marknorris1381

    7 ай бұрын

    How do we know you don't?

  • @shaunstark4263

    @shaunstark4263

    6 ай бұрын

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

  • @marknorris1381

    @marknorris1381

    6 ай бұрын

    @@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
    @tristanruby33513 жыл бұрын

    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-xh3zr3 жыл бұрын

    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 жыл бұрын

    Shut up

  • @soup4dasoul253

    @soup4dasoul253

    3 жыл бұрын

    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 жыл бұрын

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

  • @StevenPermuy

    @StevenPermuy

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@MrMaWis-xh3zrdoes your mother like you?

  • @MrMaWis-xh3zr

    @MrMaWis-xh3zr

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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
    @thugwafflebro80623 жыл бұрын

    Man up

  • @praetorxian

    @praetorxian

    2 жыл бұрын

    Shut up

  • @roguedoge2479

    @roguedoge2479

    11 ай бұрын

    Having fun at your 7/11 job?

  • @joeshmoe2141
    @joeshmoe2141 Жыл бұрын

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