As mental health awareness increases, first responders still face inadequate care across Vermont
Vermont Public
First responders show up at fatal car crashes, house fires and overdoses in Vermont's largest cities and its smallest towns.
But the mental health support they receive after a critical event can vary depending on where the department is located.
Now, advocates want to change that, and make sure emergency service providers get the mental health support they need.
In 2021, the Vermont Legislature set up the Emergency Service Provider Wellness Commission to take a look at whether first responders are receiving mental health support in both large and small communities across the state.
Royalton Police Chief Loretta Stalnaker is a member of the commission, and said it’s a relatively new idea among emergency service providers to recognize the stress and trauma that comes with answering critical calls.