Emergency medical technicians are the first on scene to help people in need. But what happens when the EMT is the one who needs help? The risk for Arizona EMT suicide is 39 percent higher than that of the general public, according to a study by researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. That number is reflected in firefighter suicides as well. According to the Glendale Fire Department, 16 percent of firefighters attempt suicide, compared to less than 10 percent for the general population. Additionally, 47 percent of firefighters have had suicidal thoughts. Being the first to respond to traumatic events is part of the job. But, Glendale fire spokeswoman Ashley Lorsch said, it takes a toll.
“I don’t think we understand the realities of the job until we’re actually holding a baby that’s not breathing in our arms, or pulling a child from a pool, or doing CPR on a loved one, or treating a gunshot wound,” she said.