Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers have the honor and opportunity of helping others, often on the worst day of their lives. Sometimes, they witness or experience traumatic events. Handling difficult calls or working long hours with little relief can lead to cumulative and chronic stress. Stress is normal. It’s also normal to have human reactions as part of our work. We are all human.

The New York State Health Department, Division of State Emergency Medical Services is pleased to offer the New York State EMS Mental Health & Wellness Symposium to support EMS providers and first responders in New York State.

We believe this event will allow EMS providers, first responders, EMS educators, and agency leaders to bring information and tools back to their regions. They can then begin or continue to support themselves or EMS providers at their agency or in their region.

A variety of stakeholders and programs will also be present to provide information and resources on how to best support EMS providers’ and first responders’ mental health and overall wellness.