Kelly Grayson is a critical care paramedic who gave a presentation on mental illness in fire/EMS. His presentation cited alarming statistics on rates of PTSD, suicide, and substance abuse among public safety personnel that are higher than the general population. For example, 16-17% of firefighters suffer from PTSD which is 5 times higher than the general public, and suicide is 2-3 times more likely than a line of duty death. Depression and PTSD can vary in intensity and don't always present as classical symptoms. The triggers from traumatic experiences on the job accumulate over time and can resurface from events decades ago. It is important to acknowledge that these illnesses can affect anyone and do not represent weakness.

1. Mental Illness in
Fire/EMS

2. Kelly Grayson is a critical care paramedic for Acadian Ambulance in
Louisiana. He has spent the past 22 years as a field paramedic, critical
care transport paramedic, field supervisor and educator. The following
information and statistics are based on the notes from his class at the
Texas EMS conference, titled, “Saving your own life- True confessions of
a clinically depressed medic.”

3. Statistics:
 In the United States, 22 people commit suicide each day. That number
is just from public safety personnel.
 Approximately 16-17% of fire service personnel suffer from PTSD, which is
five times that of the general public.
 Likelihood of divorce and substance abuse is two times greater.
 Suicide is two to three times more likely than a LODD.
 From 2008-2012, Chicago FD had 12 firefighters take their own lives. 7 of
which were in an 18 month span.
 In 2009, 149 soldiers were killed during combat in Iraq. 309 took their
own lives.
These numbers are only from what’s been tracked. Since it’s sensitive
information and voluntary, it is far under-reported.

4. Depression & PTSD
 These two illnesses can vary in intensity.
 Doesn’t always have to be the textbook, “hopeless & helpless.”
Depression Home Game
1. Are you tired all the time, and have little energy?
2. Putting off things such as time with friends or family with the excuse of, “I’ve
got too much to do,” (but you really didn’t when you look back).
3. Passing on hobbies or things you enjoy for the same reason above?
4. Kids are annoying?

5. If so..
You could be suffering from a
condition known as, “Low-T.”
Just kidding..

6. Did you answer yes to any of
those?
 It doesn’t mean there’s a problem, but they’re a few good areas to
look at. If so, were you always that way?
One example: If 10 people called you, are you excited that those
people were thinking about you, or are you now put-out that you’ll
have to call them all back? Someone struggling with depression may
view it as a hassle (unless you just don’t like the people that called).
Patterns of depression can seem like apathy at home and with other
situations. How are your relationships with your friends/roommates?
With your spouse and/or children? How are you maintaining them?

7. Depression & PTSD
 It’s not about what’s wrong with you, but about what happened to
you. It also doesn’t even have to be something that happened.
There are many different stressors on and off the job.
 It is important to remember that these two illnesses don’t symbolize a
lack of coping or support system. It can hit anyone at any time, and
it doesn’t matter how strong you are, or think you are. We’re all
human.

8. The bad stuff is ALWAYS a trigger..
 Coping mechanisms have their limits..
 Even if it doesn’t seem to bother you when you come across it, it
does. It’s just getting filed away for later.
 Think of it as being an “emotional bank account.” Some people
have more money than others, but it’s always being taken out bit by
bit. What grabs someone today might not affect another until
tomorrow.
 Sometimes, an event that happened 20 years ago might find the
smallest stimulus and come back to see you.

9. “It’s ok to get a little messed up
over stuff..”
…Especially when you weren’t able to do what you were supposed to.