NYS first responders face high levels of stress, burnout, report says

ALBANY — More than half of New York State’s first responders, including those in law enforcement, fire services and emergency medical services, experience high levels of stress, burnout and anxiety, according to a state-funded report slated to be released Wednesday morning.

The approximately $14,000 state-funded survey and subsequent report aim to identify the unique mental health challenges faced by first responders.

Chronic stress from exposure to traumatic events and everyday strain can significantly impact the mental health and wellness of first responders, according to the report, conducted by the State University of New York at New Paltz’s Institute for Disaster Mental Health and the Benjamin Center.

The report found that 68% of those surveyed experienced stress, 59% felt burned out, and 52% faced anxiety.

"Our first responders go above and beyond the call of duty to protect our communities — their well-being is a reflection of our collective strength, and we must do everything we can to support them," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release provided to Newsday in advance. "I initiated the first responder mental health needs assessment to help address and further tackle the mental health crisis among our first responders, and I’m committed to continue breaking down barriers to care and get them the resources they need."

The report was commissioned by the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and conducted in 2024. More than 6,000 first responders from across the state took part in the voluntary survey, including those in law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, emergency communications and emergency management. Five follow-up focus groups were also held with emergency responders with varying lengths of service, including both those who volunteer and those for whom this is a career.

Barriers and resources

Critical incidents and traumatic events were cited by most first responders as a top cause of stress, and 45% cited public perception of the profession and not enough time to spend with family and friends, according to the report. Shift work, risk of being injured on the job and overtime were additional stressors cited, as well as toxic work culture and lack of access to mental health care.

A majority of first responders, 53%, reported experiencing symptoms of depression and 38% experienced symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, according to the report. And 16% said they had thoughts of suicide, which is four times higher than the general public, the report said.

But many responders may not seek help. The report found that 80% said stigma is a major barrier to getting help, while 78% cited not recognizing the need for help as a barrier. Additional barriers include concern over mental health providers not understanding the needs of first responders as well as the need for confidentiality, according to the report. Responders also were afraid that seeking help would make them look weak or result in consequences such as loss of work, the report said.

The survey found that creating a statewide or regional support network, increasing the number of culturally competent therapists, mandating more frequent mental health wellness checks and increasing access to wellness activities such as gyms could help. Additionally, policy-level discussions or legislation to mitigate stress, for example by addressing long hours and training for leadership, as well as increasing access to care by reducing co-pays and by providing paid time to seek care also would help, according to the survey responses.

Hochul, in her January executive budget proposal, announced the creation of a first responder counseling scholarship program through SUNY to encourage first responders to pursue counseling degrees and micro-credentials in areas such as trauma-informed care and peer support leadership. The scholarship aims to create a pipeline of mental health professionals who are equipped to support the emergency responder community.

The governor also proposed some changes to address staffing shortages, including allowing non-New Yorkers to apply for correctional officer positions and raising the retirement age of New York State Police to 63. The state budget is due by April 1, the start of the fiscal year.

"First responders are exposed to traumatic situations in the line of duty every day, which lead to mental health issues that affect their personal and professional lives," said Jackie Bray, commissioner of the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, in the news release. "This assessment gave us important insights into the specific challenges they face and will help us provide them with the resources they need to help manage those stresses."