Most experts estimate at least 25% of first responders have ever had thoughts of suicide or that life was not worth living.

Some estimates place this number even higher, up to 30% in 911 dispatchers and up to 47% in firefighters. If this is you, you are not alone. These thoughts are not uncommon, and they are not insurmountable. We are able to recover from these feelings and lead meaningful careers and lives.

Click the Button beside each resource to learn more on their website, and click the phone number to call or text from a mobile device.

EAPFirst 1-855-EAP-1NOW 
EAPFirst is a public, Vermont-based program whose mission is to care for the well-being of Vermont’s First Responders by providing expert trauma-informed clinical support, individual counseling and assistance in building a skilled peer network. The program is a partnership between the Invest EAP Centers for Wellbeing and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. Available 24/7.

Safe Call Now 206-459-3020
A confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide.

Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5590 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. 

Copline 1-800-COPLINE
A free, 24/7, completely confidential helpline for officers and their families. On the other end of each phone call is a vetted retired police officer to ensure your voice is not only heard but understood.

Fire/EMS Helpline 1-888-731-FIRE
The Fire/EMS Helpline is available to all firefighters, EMS providers, and their families for assistance relating to addiction concerns.

988 suicide and crisis lifeLine dial 988
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Crisis Text Line Text VT to 741741
The 24-hour Crisis Text Line provides round-the-clock support seven days a week by providing access to the counselors via text messaging. Within five minutes, a return text will be sent, followed by a response from a trained crisis counselor. 

Burlington Fire Department Peer Support Team

The mission of the Burlington Fire Department Peer Support Team is to confidentially assist first responders and their families in times of need, both professionally and personally. This will be done by listening to you and acting as a bridge to help connect you to appropriate services and resources. Feel free to reach out to any of the people below using their contact numbers listed.

Michael Curtin 802-578-3634
Michael Jordan 802-865-5015
Aaron Macbeth 802-598-6882
Mark McDonough 802-279-1374
Adam Savoy 802-318-2166

First Responder Wellness Apps

These platforms provide a variety of resources and tools for first responders. You–Responder Strong is a free online wellness tool designed for first responders by the All Clear Foundation. It has evidence-based resources and tools, self-checks for both professional development and personal wellness, and goal-setting built into the platform. Crewcare is a free mobile app by ImageTrend available on Google Play and the App Store. It has functionality for tracking mood and stress in all realms of life, and personalized resources accessible from the app. 

you.responderstrong.orga metal badge reading Crewcare with icons of fire, military stars, a police officer's hat, and the star of life on it

Last Updated: