First Responder Wellness Resources

First responders endure a heavy mental and physical load that may affect many aspects of one’s wellness. Health and safety programming aims to increase access to comprehensive resources that focus on the promotion of mental health, infection control, and injury prevention aimed to build resiliency and holistic wellness. Further, programming intends to reduce stigma and increase awareness of the stressors of careers in public safety and the effects that such stressors may have on first responders' lives.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

TBA

Information and Resources

How Does Stress Impact First Responders?

  • 85% of first responders have experienced symptoms related to mental health conditions.
  • Depression and PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) are up to 5 times more common in first responders.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has increased stressors that first responders deal with on a daily basis.

How Can We Reduce Stress?

  • Exercise
  • Sleep
  • Mindfulness
  • Talking about what's on your mind

What Resources are Available?

The following resources are confidential and available for all first responders:

Local (Montgomery County) Resources

ResourceContactServices
Montgomery County Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) TeamCall (610) 635-4350, contact the Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center via radio, or email cismmontco@verizon.netConfidential one-on-one and group support with first responder peers.
Creative Health ServicesCall (484) 941-0500 or email info@creativehs.orgComprehensive support in mental wellness, substance abuse, and family services; referrals to mental health professionals specializing in first responder care.
Montgomery County Mobile CrisisCall 1 (855) 634-4673Immediate support for individuals in crisis and referrals to necessary care to prevent future crises.


National Resources

ResourceContactServices
Share the Load (National Volunteer Fire Council)Call 1 (888) 731-3473Helpline, text-based help service, and compilation of health and support resources for first responders.
Safe Call NowCall 1 (206) 459-302024/7 helpline staffed by first responders for first responders and their family members; assistance with treatment options for responders who are suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and other personal issues.
Suicide Prevention HotlineCall 1 (800) 273-8255General mental health or suicide prevention assistance (not first responder specific).
Crisis Text LineTEXT 741-741Text messaging with a trained counselor for people in crisis.
Frontline Helpline (Frontline Responder Services)Call 1 (866) 676-750024/7 helpline staffed by first responder call-takers.
Copline (law enforcement only)Call 1 (800) 267-5463Confidential helpline for members of US law enforcement.

First Responder Wellness Committee

The Montgomery County Department of Public Safety has created a First Responder Wellness Committee in an effort to support Montgomery County first responders, public safety agencies, their employees, and volunteers in physical and mental wellness. The committee will utilize networking, idea-sharing, brainstorming, education, and programming to support workforce development and alleviate stress on the public safety community. First responders of all levels of certification and leadership are invited to join the committee, and external stakeholders in the mental and physical health realms will be invited to join as well.

The goal of this committee will be to create a sustainable and multidisciplinary group of first responders in varying levels of leadership with an interest in sharing wellness programming, improving access to resources, exploring best practices, increasing educational opportunities, and building desired and progressive programming. Additionally, this group will support other resources available to first responders, such as the CISM team, while working to streamline processes, increase access to existing resources, and find solutions to fill any gaps that exist.

If you are interested in having a voice in First Responder Wellness, please fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/r/fksRW0Hunq.

First Responder Wellness Program Contact

Let us know how we can offer more support.

Madison Sehn, Health & Safety Specialist
Call: 610-945-4060
Email: madison.sehn@montgomerycountypa.gov