San Rafael, California —
Whether battling a wildfire, chasing a suspect, or helping someone with a traumatic injury – the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and others who take action in emergencies regularly endure high levels of stress.
These situations take a serious physical and emotional toll, yet many first responders don’t seek out the mental health support they need to cope.
“We’re supposed to be there to help other people. And so I think it’s hard naturally for us to say that we need help,” said San Rafael Fire Engineer Dan Rotwein.
Keeping their emotions in check comes at a price. First responders are at high risk for PTSD, depression, and alcohol abuse, and law enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
But for the past five years, many emergency responders have found some much-needed – and very cuddly – relief by visiting with a therapy dog.
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