Vermont first responders call for better mental health resources

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – First responders are calling on Vermont lawmakers to improve access to mental health resources for EMS workers.

A group representing EMS workers, including firefighters, police, corrections, ski patrol and dispatch, has been looking for ways to improve the mental health of first responders.

They say the challenges they face are rooted in trauma and stress and are exacerbated by burnout.

This session, they’re calling on state lawmakers to fund a $160,000 peer support program, in part to make sure first responders in rural areas can access mental health services.

“We will be so much more successful if we’re proactive and provide education to folks to educate them about stress injury management and awareness so they can identify in themselves when folks are struggling,” said Mark McDonough of the Burlington Fire Department.

Last year, a similar grant-funded program served more than 130 first responders.