Firefighters, police, EMS and other emergency services providers are seldom called on to rescue cute kittens from trees. On a daily basis, first responders see accident victims horribly injured or burned, rescue survivors crushed in crumbling buildings, fight overwhelming forest fires, pull residents from burning buildings. Or they may be called on to defuse situations ranging from domestic disputes to a hostage crisis.
For first responders, work stress takes an emotional and mental toll. Therapy and counseling can help resolve trauma and provide support and coping skills.