EMS is not only physically demanding but emotionally and mentally demanding as well. As a provider, you are exposed to emotionally traumatic incidents every shift. Though many may think death and injuries are the only traumatic incidents an EMS provider deals with, they're not. Many things can cause trauma such as a negative work environment, poor inter-professional encounters, imposter syndrome, etc. Additionally, most all providers have experienced bad calls and bad shifts, so know you're not alone.

PTSD and burnout are among common mental health disparities in EMS, in addition to anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. You work long hours, see sick people, and often find yourself in emotional situations that you may not have been prepared for. Not to mention that it is usually not one specific incident, but the cumulation of many events with one that pushes you over the edge. The lack of consistency and predictability, though it makes the job exciting, is also a source of burnout. Will we sit at the station all day, or run all day? Will I have time to eat the healthy lunch I packed, or will it be another gas station dinner?

Keeping your mental health in check is probably the MOST important thing you can do as a provider. If you are not in the right state of mind to care for yourself, you cannot effectively care for other people! That is not at all saying you shouldn't be in EMS if you struggle with your mental health, but more so all providers will be more effective if they continuously address their mental health.

Here are some tips to take care of your mental health as an EMS provider:

1. Talk about it! (While maintaining patient confidentiality of course) If you feel like the job or a call has taken a toll on your mental health, talk about it! Whether it is with your partner, boss, a friend, family member, therapist, etc., sometimes just getting it off your chest is the best thing you can do. Whatever you do, don't keep it bottled up. Over time the trauma will build until you reach a point where it is hurting you.

2. Debrief. This is a continuation of talking about it, but more formally. Every EMS team should debrief tough calls. What happened? How do you think it went? What could you have done differently? What did you do well? How are you feeling mentally? This doesn't necessarily mean that every code or car accident needs an official review with medical control, but you should at least debrief with your team!

3. Get professional help. Getting professional help DOES NOT make you any less of a provider. Whether you talk to your doctor or a therapist, getting professional help can greatly improve your mental well-being. They are specifically trained to help you with your struggles, so use them!

4. Take time off. Just like getting help, taking time off DOES NOT make you any less of a provider. If you are struggling, sometimes you simply need to take off the boots and walk away for a few days. It is better to give up your shift and let yourself heal than it is to keep moving forward. You can't take care of others until you've taken care of yourself!