In 2023, we tragically lost 158 first responders to suicide, surpassing the number lost in the line of duty. This alarming trend highlights a severe crisis affecting our first responders, which is not only a current issue but also a generational one. Historically, first responders have been conditioned from the outset to suppress any signs of “weakness,” encouraged to detach emotionally and manage each call with stoicism. After experiencing traumatic events, regardless of their severity, the prevailing approach has been to bury the emotional impact and move on to the next call. Over a 25-year career, a first responder may encounter over 900 traumatic events, whereas the average person faces only two in a lifetime. This culture of silence and perceived weakness leads many to self-medicate with substances like alcohol, exacerbating the unprocessed trauma.
The cumulative effect of these unaddressed traumas can be likened to a speeding train loaded with pain, eventually leading to a catastrophic crash when the burden becomes too much to bear. Our brains continue to perceive these incidents as active threats, contributing to conditions like PTSD.
It is imperative that we change the narrative from the very beginning of a first responder’s career. From day one, they should be taught that it is entirely normal to be affected by the horrors they witness both on and off the job. We need to eliminate the stigma associated with acknowledging and addressing these impacts. Education on the effects of trauma and the proper methods for handling it should be integral to their training. Moreover, we must provide appropriate outlets and resources for processing trauma healthily.
Establishing peer support teams within each department is crucial. These teams can identify warning signs early and offer support, referring individuals to professional help when necessary. Techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help reframe traumatic incidents, reducing their immediate, vivid impact and facilitating processing.
Additionally, it is vital to educate first responders and their families about the importance of communication regarding the traumas faced on the job. Understanding these experiences can help families support their loved ones more effectively.
There are numerous effective treatments for PTSD. One such treatment is the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), which has shown remarkable results. Through my organization, Defending Heroes Project, I have seen firsthand the transformative effects of SGB on first responders and veterans, significantly improving their well-being and ability to function. One individual poignantly remarked, “I feel human again.”
To achieve widespread access to these treatments, we must advocate for support from state and federal legislators. Defending Heroes Project is committed to tirelessly working towards making these essential resources available to all first responders.
Bio-
Joseph Whitledge is a seasoned law enforcement officer with over 15 years of active service in Kentucky. He is a certified hostage negotiator and peer support specialist, deeply committed to assisting others in their times of need. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Defending Heroes Project, a nonprofit based in Henderson, KY, he channels his passion into supporting first responders and veterans.
"I have personally battled with mental health challenges and PTSD, stemming from both on-duty and off-duty incidents. I have witnessed friends and colleagues struggle and tragically succumb to these battles. However, I have also seen incredible resilience and recovery among first responders and veterans who have faced unimaginable circumstances. My mission is to offer hope, relief, and unwavering support to those in need, no matter the perceived severity of their situation. I will always be there for anyone who reaches out for help."
Joseph Whitledge
Founder/Executive Director, Defending Heroes Project
Certified Hostage Negotiator and ICISF Peer Support Specialist
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Murray State University