VIDEO: First responders deal with dangerous and traumatic situations on a regular basis. But calls involving a child death can stick with them for a very long time. Some experts say it’s getting easier for police officers and firefighters to get mental health support, but more can be done.
This week, first responders went to a call in south Phoenix where a baby was found dead near a dumpster. Phoenix police said Friday the child was a newborn boy. “For us, that’s the hardest call that we go on,” says Phoenix Fire Capt. Scott Douglas. “Over time, those things can start to pile up.”
Douglas says the rescue crews that responded in hopes of reviving the baby have already been offered support services for themselves. He says the department has a system to ensure members who need help after a crisis have access to resources.