Behind the uniform, behind the flashing lights and the rushing urgency of an ambulance call, exists a quieter, darker story. It’s the story these images attempt to capture—a narrative not often spoken aloud, yet deeply understood by many in the emergency services community.
In the first image, we see an EMT sitting on the back of a rig, the scene inside disheveled—discarded gloves, medical gear askew, the remnants of another life he couldn’t save. He holds his head in his hands, and behind him, a set of ethereal wings curls around his slumped shoulders. The wings are not triumphant or majestic. They are heavy, as if molded by grief and burden. This image speaks to the myth of the “hero” and redefines it—not as someone immune to pain, but as someone who continues to show up despite it. The wings symbolize the divine weight carried by those who are tasked with saving others, even as they struggle to save themselves.
Then there’s the second image, a deeply introspective portrait of a man on the verge of breaking, his head clutched tightly, eyes squeezed shut. Dark storm clouds swirl above him, with lightning cracking violently through the center of his mind. It’s not just artistic—it’s painfully real. This is what PTSD can look like: invisible, yet ever-present. The storm doesn’t roar out loud; it strikes silently inside the skull, again and again. The cloud isn’t a metaphor—it’s a mirror held up to the inner chaos so many first responders carry.
These visuals don’t just tell stories; they invite empathy. They strip away the stoicism that EMS professionals are often expected to uphold, and they let the humanity bleed through the canvas. The brush strokes—or digital equivalents—render raw emotion, not just physical features. Each line in the subject’s face tells of sleepless nights, haunting calls, the crushing silence that follows the noise of trauma.
As a writer and an EMT, these images resonate with me because they bridge the gap between silence and expression. They say what so many of us cannot. They are memoirs without words, scenes painted from memory and emotion rather than narrative structure. And in that sense, they are deeply memoiristic—capturing not just what happened, but how it felt. The storm. The collapse. The isolation. The resilience.
Memoir writing often leans on this kind of sensory truth—the moments we remember not for what was said, but for what we felt. These images echo that form of storytelling. They don’t show what happened on a call; they show what happened after. The internal reckoning. The fragmentation of the self. The questioning of worth. The quiet after the sirens.
These artworks remind us that healing, whether through visual art or memoir writing, begins with acknowledgement. They are calls for awareness, understanding, and change. They ask us not to look away. They ask us to witness.
Emergency medical services (EMS) professionals face intense pressures and traumatic experiences that can take a profound toll on their mental health. Long hours, critical incidents, and the emotional burden of life-and-death situations often leave EMTs and paramedics vulnerable to stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout. Thankfully, a growing network of resources is available to provide support when it’s needed most. Whether you’re seeking peer support, crisis counseling, or long-term mental health care, the following organizations and hotlines are specifically designed to help first responders navigate their mental health journeys with strength and resilience.
Crisis Hotlines and Immediate Support
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7, free, and confidential support.New York State Department of Health -
Share The Load Program – Fire/EMS Helpline
Call 1-888-731-FIRE (3473) for peer support and counseling services tailored to first responders.New York State Department of Health+1FHE Health+1 -
Safe Call Now
Call 206-459-3020 for a confidential, 24-hour crisis referral service for public safety employees and their families.New York State Department of Health+1FHE Health+1 -
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME or BADGE to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text message.New York State Department of Health+1FHE Health+1 -
Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TALKWITHUS to 66746 for immediate crisis counseling related to disasters and traumatic events.New York State Department of Health
Organizations and Programs for EMS Mental Health
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The Code Green Campaign
A mental health advocacy organization focused on first responders, offering resources, education, and a platform for sharing stories.
Website: codegreencampaign.orgNAEMSP+2The Code Green Campaign+2New York State Department of Health+2 -
ResponderStrong
Provides mental health resources and programs specifically designed for emergency responders and their families.
Website: responderstrong.orgResponderStrong+1New York State Department of Health+1 -
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)
Offers a variety of wellness and mental health resources for EMS professionals.
Website: naemt.orgNAEMSP+3naemt.org+3naemt.org+3 -
FHE Health – First Responder Mental Health Program
Provides specialized mental health treatment programs for first responders, including EMTs and paramedics.
Website: fherehab.comFHE Health
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Many EMS agencies offer Employee Assistance Programs that provide confidential counseling, mental health services, and referrals. It’s advisable to check with your employer or human resources department to access these services. EAP Brochure
Additional Resources
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New York State Department of Health – EMS Mental Health Resources
Provides a comprehensive list of mental health resources and support services for EMS providers in New York State.
Website: health.ny.govNew York State Department of Health -
National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) – Supporting EMS Mental Health
Offers resources and guidance on mental health support for EMS professionals.
Website: naemsp.orgNew York State Department of Health+4NAEMSP+4NAEMSP+4
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. These resources are here to support you in maintaining your mental health and well-being.