National First Responders Day recognizes and honors the brave men and women who are the first to respond, keeping us safe when disaster strikes. On this national day of gratitude we pay tribute to their dedication and thank them and their families for the sacrifices they make when answering the call to keep our communities safe.

In support of first responders everywhere, we recognize a few of the issues specific to the dangerous and high-pressure environments they face in their selfless choice of careers.

Stress and Trauma

When looking at any survey regarding the most stressful jobs, you are sure to find first responders high on the list. The nature of these jobs means that they face mental health issues exacerbated by high-pressure and split decision making inherent in their chosen professions. Police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, 911 dispatchers and other public workers providing emergency care have to deal with the same day-to-day stresses that others do, but at the same time, the intense stress and trauma that is involved in their line of duty is well above that of the public.

Due to this acute stress and trauma, first responders, may require long-term help for additional issues including addiction, problem gambling, child and elder care, financial or legal concerns, or PTSD. In the US, several states have proposed bills specifically addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arising out of the course of employment¹.

Climate Change

Due to the nature of their work, first responders consistently deal with the fallout from natural disasters. However, the increase in major climate events like hurricanes and wildfires, as well as hotter summer temperatures more generally, has marked a step change in their workload including longer shifts in more dangerous situations.

A November 2020 study by the National Library of Medicine found that “overall, there is an increased demand in urban fire and police services as daily maximum temperatures rise from ~80°F to over 100°F across the US”. It also cited research into the impacts of heat on emergency medical services and ambulance calls noting an increase in “violent, aggressive and impulsive behaviors and crime, fatal traffic accidents, cognitive function, sleep, and a myriad of health outcomes” and increasing the types of emergency situations that require police or fire department response².

Women in the field

In the US, women represent only 5% of career firefighters³, 31.6% of paramedics⁴, and 12% of sworn police officers, with only 3% of police leadership being female⁵.

The unique challenges faced by female first responder professionals is being acknowledged and being used to drive innovation in research and design in protective equipment.

The use of SOPHIE (System Objective Protection against Heat in an Emergency), a female test manikin, alongside the traditional male manikin, RALPH (Research Aim Longer Protection Against Heat), is ensuring that protective equipment meets the diverse needs of both genders⁶. Third-generation body armor, which is used by the police service in the UK, is now available in a gender specific design⁷.

While these changes may seem small, they represent a growing commitment to inclusivity and are positive steps toward improving the mental wellbeing, safety and effectiveness of women performing and working in these critical roles.

Honoring our Heroes

Today, and every day, let’s thank our first responders for their courage, their sacrifice and their commitment to the communities they serve by providing them with the support and resources they need to carry out their vital work. They embody our highest ideals and deserve our highest respect and gratitude.