‘We Are Literally Killing Ourselves’: The Mental Stressors of EMS Work

Emotional well-being and the damaging effects of cumulative mental stressors on first responders are coming into focus now more than ever, given recent events. CDC data shows that a first responder dies by suicide every four days in the United States. “We are literally killing ourselves,” says James Boomhower, a critical care transport paramedic, peer support coordinator and fierce advocate for the mental well-being of prehospital providers.

Boomhower confronts the difficult questions and separates the lip service from actionable strategies with host Mike McCabe in our newest EMS World Podcast.

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