Mental health support for paramedics in the South West is making a significant difference—and possibly saving careers. But here's where it gets controversial: many emergency responders credit these services not just with helping their mental well-being, but also with keeping them in their jobs. This is a vital conversation about the importance of mental health care within demanding, high-pressure professions.
The South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT), which employs over 6,000 staff members along with 650 volunteers, has reported unprecedented levels of demand for mental health support among its personnel. In the past year alone, more than 1,600 staff members have turned to their 'Staying Well' initiative for assistance.
Lauren Dunn, the trust’s dedicated mental health lead, emphasizes that emergency responders are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues compared to the general population. She explains that their support programs have evolved over the past decade, even now including a dedicated trauma therapist on-site to better address complex needs.
Dunn points out, “It’s well known that about one in four people are diagnosed with a mental health condition annually, and in blue light services like ours, that percentage is even higher.” The 'Staying Well' program was designed precisely to be there during critical moments—offering help when it is most needed.
Take the experience of Toria Ford, an emergency medical dispatcher, who highlights a unique challenge: often, she doesn’t find out what happens after her calls for ambulance help. She describes her role as the first point of contact—answering the emergency call and coordinating the response while constantly facing the trauma of what callers are experiencing.
"It’s tough to manage the emotional toll when you handle life-and-death situations multiple times a day," Toria admits. She describes how she struggled with the intensity of her role until she was introduced to the 'Staying Well' support, which included counselling. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “Being able to reach out and receive support was incredibly helpful. It’s truly what has kept me in this demanding job.”
Similarly, paramedic Mylena Wheaton, with 17 years of experience, recounts her exposure to everything from births to catastrophic accidents involving multiple fatalities. She confesses she wasn’t fully prepared for the emotional weight of these experiences.
In November 2024, she sought help from the 'Staying Well' program after realizing she wasn’t coping well with her responsibilities. Wheaton explains, “I started feeling more anxious, worried about my performance, and my confidence was suffering.” She is grateful she took the step to reach out, acknowledging, “I truly don’t think I’d be here today without that support.”
Wheaton emphasizes that although responders become accustomed to witnessing trauma, it doesn’t mean it’s normal—often, these difficult moments stay buried. “We see so much, and over time, it becomes routine, but all of it leaves a mark,” she says. “It’s important to recognize when you need help and to ask for it, because neglecting your mental health can have serious consequences for your career and personal life.”
This ongoing commitment to mental health in emergency services raises a fundamental question: Should mental health support be viewed as an essential part of job safety rather than an optional benefit? As more responders speak out, it’s clear that providing such services might be the difference between burnout and resilience—and sometimes, between leaving the profession and staying committed.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe mental health initiatives like this should be standard in all high-stress careers? Or do you think there are other ways to support emergency responders’ well-being? Share your opinion below and join the conversation.
