Repercussions for emergency responders relate to the impact and aftermath of exposure to critical incidents. This can be a single traumatic call or the residual effect of multiple incidents over a period of time.
In both cases, the needs are real and the emotional and mental force upon a person can be lessened with intervention.

An important part of chaplain ministry is follow up with responders after such tragedies. These contacts serve to touch base with the responder to see if he or she is okay, to allow them the opportunity to talk through the situation, and to assess if further interactions are necessary. These follow up calls can be a one-time effort or may go on for a month or more.

Examples of crises in 2020 needing follow up have been: a teen drowning, infant deaths in a short time frame, death notifications – especially when there are multiple ones to do in relation to a single event, and fatal shootings. Law enforcement officers, medics, firefighters, detention officers, and 911 dispatchers can be even further impacted when they personally know the victim or family.

A chaplain’s reaching out during these times is one helpful step in our local heroes staying healthy and remaining in the fight.