DETROIT — Chris Cebollero, EMS1 columnist and host of the Inside EMS podcast, describes the incidence and risk of traumatic stress and cases of paramedic death by suicide with WDET host Stephen Henderson.
In the conversation, Cebollero says that often EMTs do not know what their co-workers are thinking or experiencing, even though they are just 18-inches apart in the ambulance.
“The career field fails providers by not giving them tools to be successful,” Cebollero said.
EMTs face a “superman” expectation that extreme situations will not affect them. He believes this expectation must change so that EMTs can deal with their stress.
In the interview, Cebollero discusses how he deals with stress, the consequences of stress, and the importance of institutional awareness. And he points out that stress is not limited to just EMTs and paramedics. Police and firefighters also face traumatic stress.
“This is a real thing we have to bring awareness to,” Cebollero said.
The Code Green Campaign is given as an example of positive awareness and activism for the EMS profession. “The internet has brought more awareness to this issue,” Cebollero said. “Leaders are asking what can we do for our responders to deal with stress and PTSD.”
Listen to the full conversation on Detroit Today.