May 14, 2019 1 min read

First responders: Seek help after witnessing traumatic events

As a lifetime member of the former VFW 191 Canonsburg Ambulance Service, I have responded to several shooting calls. Nowadays, every time I pick up the newspaper or see another shooting on the TV news, it breaks my heart.

No one can imagine what it’s like to see a child, teenager or adult shot. It does not matter if it is an accidental, domestic, police or mass shooting. When a first responder arrives at a shooting scene, it is life-changing. You never forget the victims. It stays with you your entire life and has the potential to affect your health.

I urge all EMTs, paramedics and firefighters who respond to scenes of violence to seek professional therapy or intervention. It can help you deal with emotional aspects that arise from being witness to such traumatic events.

Dave Pierson

Houston