About this episode

This episode discusses the mental health crisis among first responders, focusing on the different traumas faced by firefighters, EMTs, and police officers.

The raw truth behind the mental health crisis affecting firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and dispatchers. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Christie Haynes and Fire Captain Jeffrey Kessler (founder of Overwatch First Responder Services) share unfiltered stories about PTSD, cumulative trauma, family impact, and why so many first responders struggle in silence. In this powerful interview, they reveal: • Why firefighters & EMS often have different trauma than police • How to support a first responder spouse • The importance of culture change around mental health • Practical ways departments can prevent burnout and suicide If you or someone you love serves in uniform, this episode is a must-watch. 🛡️ Overwatch First Responder Services: Real help from people who understand the culture. #FirstResponderMentalHealth #FirefighterPTSD #FirstResponderPTSD Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law…

People in this episode

Host: Reasons We Serve

Guests: Christie Haynes, Jeffrey Kessler

Topics covered

• mental health
• first responders
• PTSD
• cumulative trauma
• support systems
• culture change

Keywords

• mental health crisis
• first responders
• PTSD
• firefighters
• EMTs
• police officers
• burnout
• suicide prevention

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Overwatch First Responder Services

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