26/04/2022
My story begins in the small town of Durango, in the south west region of Colorado. I grew up with an older brother and a younger sister. For as long as I can remember my home responsibilities were to care for my younger sister. It was through this experience I found my passion for helping others, which led me into the field of ems. Through working with several different EMS agencies I have learned how poorly managed mental health was, even in the most horrifying work environments. Within the culture of EMS there is a certain pride in working in some of the most gruesome conditions. That thought leads down the path to understanding how many first responders are troubled with anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder and in far too many cases, suicidal idiation. This cannot be a coincidence and this needs to change, and it will take all of us first responders. My goal now is to not only educate healthy ways to cope with stressors but to share experiences, techniques, of other professionals in the field but to also start to shed light on such an important movement that is seemingly not improving.
-Travis VonTersch