Emergency first responders are suffering from post-traumatic stress in record numbers, 
but they are often afraid of losing their job if they ask for help; this must change.

PTSD911 is a documentary film about real people: normal, average human beings who have chosen to work in professions that require above average heroism, fortitude, and resolve. These men and women have jobs that require a willingness to face things that most of us can’t even imagine, yet maintain a high level of dignity and professionalism.  First responders in fact repeatedly see and experience things that most of us will never see, causing compound issues related to post-traumatic stress injuries and disorders.

 

They show up, no matter what. Heroes, yes! Yet they are human beings just like the rest of us with families, husbands, wives, children, brothers, sisters, and parents. They are firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers. They are first responders.

TOPIC SUMMARY
 There could not be a more urgent time to make this film. Emergency responders are out in the field dealing with extreme social unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic, the continuing opioid epidemic (which has worsened during the pandemic), on top of all of their other catastrophic calls- hostage situations, motor vehicle accidents, rapes, murders, building fires, response to hurricanes and wildfires, and the list goes on. At the present time, suicides among emergency responders are greater in number than those who perish in line of duty death. At this time of such national crisis, we need our first responders! We need to have trained people who can come to our aid, in our time of need. AND, they need to be healthy in order to best help each citizen in need.

PTSD911 will provide information about a path forward from PTSD that does not lead to suicide, but rather leads to return to a fulfilling life that involves serving others. Fire, Police, EMS, and 911 operators all came into their respective professions to help others. They want nothing more than to be able to return whole to their jobs. But, in the circumstance of PTSD, help is needed for healing. Department leaders need to develop programs and policies to help their members. This takes education and awareness, which PTSD911 will provide. Also, the responders need to know there is help available, which will be another critically important message in this film.

GOALS FOR THE FILM 1. Raise Awareness – We must help the general population understand the issue. Most civilians don’t know or understand the issue of post traumatic stress in first responders. The average citizen does not understand the depth of this issue, and they need to know. The goal is to educate the viewer and stimulate change in people’s behavior and attitudes toward our nation’s first responders. The producers feel first responders are heroes who not only deserve applause, but also deserve to have access to the support networks that can help mitigate ongoing stress that trauma can bring. The initiative is to help people understand the urgency of this situation, and motivate individuals, organizations, and communities to be proactive in providing support and resources to help all first responders work and live a healthy and productive life both in their professional and personal lives.   2. End the Stigma – To help first responders realize it’s okay to ask for help. The case studies featured in the film will depict individuals and agencies who are helping their members realize it it ok to raise one’s hand and ask for help. The producer’s goal is to make it ok to not be ok and to ask for help.   3. Inspire Systemic Change – No one should get fired just because they are struggling with the traumas they have faced, and have asked for help. The filmmakers want agency leaders to learn how they can implement healthy changes and training within their departments so their members get the mental health help they need and can continue to be productive in their public service to our communities.