Amid the coronavirus pandemic, essential heroes are emerging throughout our community. And the job for first responders is even more dangerous amid this new, invisible enemy.
Iraq veteran and Bend Police Corporal Ian Macdonell knows all too well how being a first responder can affect the emotional well-being of a person over time -- even in far more "normal" times.
"For us to have to show up and be that strong kind of presence, and come across like we have this all under control-- we offer the appropriate resources, and it's difficult sometimes holding that in," Macdonell said. "It's always on the worst days of their lives, and we have to be that calming presence, but we still have a job to do."
Being a first responder is often a physically demanding job, and responding to calls can also lead to anxiety, stress and trauma -- and if untreated, it could even lead to suicide.