HOUSE DEMOCRATS News:
High rates of PTSD, suicide, demands action for New Mexico’s first responders
SANTA FE – House Bill 6, PTSD Presumption for First Responders, Thursday passed the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee.
Sponsored by Rep. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Karen Bash (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-Albuquerque), House Bill 6 extends the presumption of employment-related PTSD to stressful occupations including firefighters, emergency medical service workers (EMTs) and law enforcement officers.
“We know from studies that rates of PTSD are much higher amongst first responders than the general public,” Rep. Bash said. “First responders are in constant exposure to life and death situations, and without treatment, PTSD amongst our first responders can lead to suicide or stressed-induced medical conditions. It is important that as a society, we begin to take action so we can treat those who put their lives on the line for us every single day.”
“Our law enforcement and first responders are on the front lines every day risking their lives to keep our communities safe,” Rep. Stansbury said. “But, this bravery does not come without sacrifices – both to those who serve and their families. Just one incident or years of service can lead to PTSD and the emotional and physical tolls that can take. We must do everything we can to ensure our first responders have access to care. This bill will help ensure they do.”
National survey data suggests that among Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), including firefighters and paramedics, rates of suicide are significantly higher than among the general public. In 2017, there were 103 reported firefighter suicides and The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance estimates only 40 percent of firefighter suicides are reported. According to the police suicide advocacy group Blue H.E.L.P., in 2019, 228 police officers committed suicide, and 17 suicides have been reported so far in 2020.
House Bill 6 passed the House Commerce and Public Affairs Committee and will be heard next in the House Judiciary Committee.