While Congress negotiates another coronavirus relief package, first responders are calling on lawmakers to include mental health services. EMS workers face enormous amounts of stress as they work on the front lines. Rates of depression, burnout, and suicidal thoughts were already high for this sector before the pandemic started.
The Wisconsin EMS Association hosted a virtual townhall with Senator Tammy Baldwin on July 23. Marc Cohen, executive director of the association, said rural EMS services are stretched thin, as they are mainly made up of volunteers. “It’s one of the toughest jobs,” said Cohen. “It’s reached a crisis, compounded with COVID-19. We need help.”
Baldwin said she doubts mental health services for EMS will be included in the next coronavirus relief package.