When tragedy strikes, first responders - firefighters, police officers, military personnel, emergency dispatchers, and EMTs - arrive on the scene to keep people safe.
But over time, the repeated exposure to danger, chaos, and even death can take its toll on the mental and physical health of the men and women charged with protecting the victims. To assist those who put their lives on the line every day, Mountainside is providing free First Responders Support Groups, offering them a safe space to share experiences and receive support from their peers as well as licensed mental health professionals. “Many first responders experience an increased sense of alertness, which can make them constantly feel like they are on edge,” said Amy Sedgwick, Executive Director and Clinical Director at Mountainside.