HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — New legislation awaiting the governor’s signature will make it easier for firefighters and EMS workers experiencing PTSD to get the help they may need.
First responders are faced with traumatic situations every day which sometimes have a lasting impact.
“I have some in my district that they go to these events and tragic events happen when you’re there,” said State Representative Dallas Kephart (R-73rd District). “Unfortunately, it’s the nature of the beast.”
“There are things that we see in our, our daily incidents that normal people should not see. And it’s hard sometimes to process that,” said Jim McCann, training coordinator at the Cambria County Regional Firefighter Association.
Most firefighters admit they know how to save lives and fight flames, but they often struggle with their mental health. To help, the State House passed Senate Bill 365 Wednesday. If the bill is signed into law, it will require worker’s compensation benefits be provided to first responders for post traumatic stress related injuries, possibly helping firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel with an avenue to get the help and support they need.