It's Okay to NOT be Okay
As a participant of the Code Green Campaign and an instructor for EMS Professionals, I truly can help the mission of this organization. The mission for the code green campaign is to eliminate the stigma of needing help, bring awareness, and educate EMS Professionals to reduce the high rates of mental health issues in first responders.
In the Casper area, we have two counselors that specialize in EMDR therapy for first responders, which is not enough for the hundreds of first responders, and students, that we have in our area.
Outside of our specialized counselors, there is a Mighty Oaks satellite program here. I have worked with the Mighty Oaks speakers to come speak with our students regarding the importance of mental health and what this program can also offer first responders.
Everyone knows someone who has been plagued by suicide... Everyone!
The general public is not calling 911 when they are having a good day. EMS Professionals respond to 911 calls for a multitude of things and truly see the worst of society at their worst time. EMS Professionals attempt to prepare themselves for what they might see during their career, but we never are able to fully prepare ourselves. Nationally, first responders have a higher suicide rate at 18 suicides per 100,000 versus the general public at 13 suicides per 100,000. (ICMA. 2023) Three years ago (2021), Wyoming - specifically Natrona and Converse Counties, had a total of 4 first responders commit suicide within 3 months of each other.
Whether my students are involved in tragic calls or have a lot of heavy lifting at home, they know they can come talk to me. I will encourage students to seek out counseling with the Casper College Counselors or we will get them set up with an outside entity if needed. I have worked closely with Erin Ford, at Casper College, to allow EMS Students to be seen in a quicker time-frame when needed.
When my students do come forward, I also speak with them regarding class, labs, or clinicals coming up. I remind my students their mental health is 100% a priority and if they need time off, then we will reschedule everything we can. Changing the stigma starts with educating students that they matter, and it's okay to not be okay.
