st.Augustine, Florida – Help is coming to the St. Johns County Fire and Rescue Service during what some have called a mental health crisis.
According to the CDC, paramedics are almost 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than other members of the general public. Also, first responders are more likely to die by suicide than on the job.
A St. Johns County commissioner made an emotional plea for help to first responders who have been repeatedly exposed to traumatic events at work.
“Gentlemen, my fellow commissioners, the men and women of the Fire and Rescue Service are at stake,” said Commissioner Sarah Arnold.
Arnold unexpectedly pleaded for increased mental health funding for fire rescues in St. Johns County at a meeting Tuesday.
Statistics show firefighters are five times more likely to be depressed than the rest of the population, and suicide is the leading cause of death among firefighters and EMTs, Arnold said.
According to the CDC, first responders may be at increased risk of suicide due to repeated exposure to trauma.
“They always show up when called and never let us down. But I let them down. We all let them down,” said Arnold.
Arnold pleaded with the Commissioner to approve $500,000 in new funding for the department to go to mental health services.
Jeremy Robshaw, spokesman for the St. Johns County Fire and Rescue Service, said his department was grateful for the help.
“I think we recognize first responders nationally, not just firefighters, firefighters and police officers. There is a mental health crisis and we have to take care of people. I didn’t,” Robshaw said.
Robshaw said the money will be used to hire a full-time pastor who is also a firefighter or paramedic. Fire Rescue also contracts with well-resourced professional mental health services.
“So if there’s a significant event from a trauma perspective, we have immediate access to multiple counselors in the department to provide specialized care,” he said.
Robshaw says it’s all part of the new mindset of first responders.
“I think there was an old way it was dealt with, and it was probably different from what we perceive today as how it needed to be dealt with. Whether you’re a veteran or not, I think you’re looking at people who’ve been in this career for a long time, people who certainly have past experience.
Anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis can call the national hotline 988.
Other available resources are:
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text talk ~ 741741 (suicide)
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text home ~ 741741 (crisis)
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Children’s Home Society Family Support: Warmline 1-888-733-6303 (chslistens.com)
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United Way: Dial 211 for 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention
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today tomorrow: The Neptune Beach Helpline is available Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday to Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm — (904) 372-9087 (heretomorrow.org)
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