Trauma is defined as experiences that produce intense emotional pain, fear, or distress, often with lasting psychological and physiological effects. Both Drew University students and first responders face unique trauma-related challenges:

• Students: Academic pressures, social transitions, and exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) or campus-related incidents (e.g., assault, loss) can contribute to trauma. Psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, is common among college students.
• First Responders: Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs are repeatedly exposed to traumatic events such as violence, disasters, and life-threatening situations, increasing risks for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicidality.

Stakeholder Interview

Joe Agens, Stanhope-Netcong EMS, EMT

Me: Thanks for chatting with me today, Joe. How’s everything going since you joined Stanhope-Netcong EMS? 

Joe Agens: No problem! It's been going really well. There's a ton to learn, but the Squad's super welcoming, and I’m soaking it all in. 

Me: Awesome! So, what got you into becoming an EMT? 

Joe Agens: EMS seemed like a solid way to get involved and truly help people. I like the idea of jumping into action during emergencies and making a difference. 

Me: That makes total sense. As a newbie, do you think about the mental health side of being a first responder? 

Joe Agens: Yeah, for sure. It's definitely something on my mind. The job can be really intense, and you face a lot of heavy situations. It's super important to recognize how it affects you mentally. You gotta be aware and find ways to handle it. 

Me: Do you think first responders chat enough about mental health, or is it kind of overlooked? 

Joe Agens: Honestly, it doesn't get talked about nearly enough. There's this unspoken rule that you just have to "suck it up." People push through tough stuff without really thinking about how it hits them mentally. It's like there's pressure to always be strong and not show any weakness. But that mindset really isn’t good in the long run. 

Me: Absolutely, that’s a key point. What kind of support do you think first responders need for their mental health? 

Joe Agens: Support is everything. Having someone to talk to—like a coworker, supervisor, or even a counselor—can really help. Plus, there needs to be more education around mental health. It's vital to help people notice when they're struggling and encourage them to reach out. That tough-it-out attitude needs to change. 

Me: Definitely. Do you feel like mental health is being talked about more in EMS now, or is it still somewhat under the radar? 

Joe Agens: There’s definitely more awareness nowadays, and that’s a good step forward. A lot of agencies are starting to offer more mental health resources, like counseling and debriefings after tough calls. But I still think it's a topic that gets pushed aside too often. We’re seeing some progress, but there’s a long way to go before mental health gets the same attention as the physical side of the job.

Me: It’s awesome to hear that things are heading in a good direction. If you had to give some tips to other new first responders about dealing with mental health, what would you say? 

Joe Agens: I’d say don’t just brush it off. It’s super easy to try to ignore things, but talking about it and taking care of yourself is key. Make sure you’ve got a solid support system and carve out some time to chill and recharge when you’re not on duty. The job can really wear you out, and that mindset of just toughing it out isn’t going to cut it long-term. You need to look after your mental health too. 

Me: That’s really solid advice. You’ve got a good viewpoint on it. Anything else you want to share about your experience so far or your thoughts on this? 

Joe Agens: Just that I’m really glad to be part of a team that takes mental health seriously. It’s been fantastic knowing that everyone around me is open to chatting about it. It really drives home the idea that taking care of your mental health is just as important as being good at your job.

For Students

• Drew University McClintock Center for Counseling and Psychological Services: Offers crisis intervention, group therapy, and workshops on stress reduction and mindfulness.
• SAMHSA: Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services: A comprehensive guide on trauma-informed practices applicable to student mental health.
• National Center for Trauma-Informed Care: Models for trauma-informed behavioral health systems.

For First Responders

• First Responders Foundation: Resources and advocacy for mental health support for firefighters, police, and EMTs.
• Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment of Traumatic Stress in First Responders: A review of PTSD prevalence and treatment options for first responders.
• JEMS: First Responders and PTSD: Discusses the need to normalize mental health care for first responders.

Based on SAMHSA’s principles of trauma-informed care, the following strategies can support students and first responders:

For Students

• Safety: Create safe spaces on campus through peer support groups and trauma-sensitive policies.
• Empowerment: Offer workshops on resilience and coping skills, such as mindfulness and stress management.
• Collaboration: Partner with student organizations to host mental health awareness events.

For First Responders

• Peer Support: Implement critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) and peer support programs to normalize mental health discussions.
• Access to Care: Advocate for telehealth mental health services to reduce barriers, especially in rural areas.
• Training: Provide trauma-informed training for supervisors to recognize signs of PTSD and psychological distress.

Community Engagement

Engage with the Drew and local communities to promote mental health:

• Town Hall Events: Host Action Scholar-led town halls to discuss trauma and solutions, as outlined in the Action Scholars program.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with local first responder agencies to share resources and advocate for mental health support.
• Outreach: Use social media (e.g., @DrewCounseling) to raise awareness and share resources.