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First Responders

Honoring Those Who Protect Our Communities

First responders, including firefighters, police officers, and EMS workers, face physically demanding and mentally exhausting challenges every day. At Summit Hyperbarics + Wellness, we offer specialized therapies to help these heroes recover, build resilience, and reclaim their well-being. Our services are designed to provide the care and support they need in a private and compassionate environment.

Stress, Recovery, and TBI

Comprehensive Care for First Responders

First responders frequently encounter highly stressful and traumatic events, increasing their risk for mental health conditions and physical injuries. Research highlights:

  • PTSD prevalence among first responders ranges from 8% to 32%, compared to 7%–8% in the general population. [9], [10]
  • Elevated rates of depression (14%), anxiety (26%), and sleep disturbances (93%). [12]
  • 34% of first responders face increased suicide risk, with a 1.39 times higher likelihood of death by suicide compared to the general population. [2], [11]

These stressors can also increase the risk of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), with head and shoulder injuries being the second most common injuries among first responders. [13]

Understanding TBI

The Long-Term Impact of TBIs

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) among first responders often result from head trauma during emergencies or repeated low-level injuries. These injuries can lead to lasting effects, such as:

  • Memory and learning difficulties. [4], [5]
  • Emotional and mood challenges. [6]
  • Problems with thinking and concentration. [7]
  • Increased risk of coexisting mental health conditions. [3]

Repeated injuries may contribute to long-term changes in mental and cognitive functions, highlighting the importance of early intervention and specialized care. [8]

Community Partnerships

Collaborating for Better Care

We work closely with local fire departments, police forces, and EMS units to ensure that first responders receive the care they need. By building strong community partnerships, we can provide effective, tailored support for those who serve our communities. [1]

Learn More

Conditions and Treatments

For more information on conditions like Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Concussive Syndrome (PCS), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), visit our Conditions Page.

Support for Those Who Protect Us

Recover. Rebuild. Renew.

As a first responder, you face immense physical and emotional challenges daily. At Summit Hyperbarics and Wellness, we provide HBOT and behavioral health services designed specifically for firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and their families—helping you recover, build resilience, and continue making a difference.

Begin Your Journey

References

Supporting Data and Studies

  1. Arjmand, H. A., O'Donnell, M. L., Putica, A., Sadler, N., Peck, T., Nursey, J., & Varker, T. (2024). Mental health treatment for first responders: An assessment of mental health provider needs. Psychological Services, 21(3), 489–499. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000832.
  2. Bond, A. E., & Anestis, M. D. (2021). Understanding capability and suicidal ideation among first responders. Archives of Suicide Research, 27(2), 295–306. https://doi.org/10.1080/13811118.2021.1993397.
  3. Torres, V. A., Strack, J. E., Dolan, S., Kruse, M. I., Pennington, M. L., Synett, S. J., Kimbrel, N., & Gulliver, S. B. (2020). Identifying frequency of mild traumatic brain injury in firefighters. Workplace Health & Safety, 68(10), 468–475. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165079920922576.
  4. Haarbauer-Krupa, J., Pugh, M. J., Prager, E. M., Harmon, N., Wolfe, J., & Yaffe, K. (2021). Epidemiology of chronic effects of traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 38(23), 3235–3247. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2021.0062.
  5. van der Horn, H. J., Out, M. L., de Koning, M. E., Mayer, A. R., Spikman, J. M., Sommer, I. E., & van der Naalt, J. (2020). An integrated perspective linking physiological and psychological consequences of mild traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurology, 267(9), 2497–2506. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-019-09335-8.
  6. Alosco, M. L., Tripodis, Y., Baucom, Z. H., Mez, J., Stein, T. D., Martin, B., Haller, O., Conneely, S., McClean, M., Nosheny, R., Mackin, S., McKee, A. C., Weiner, M. W., & Stern, R. A. (2020). Late contributions of repetitive head impacts and TBI to depression symptoms and cognition. Neurology, 95(7), e793–e804. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000010040.
  7. Smith, N. I. J., Gilmour, S., Prescott-Mayling, L., Hogarth, L., Corrigan, J. D., & Williams, W. H. (2021). A pilot study of brain injury in police officers: A source of mental health problems? Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 28(1), 43–55. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12676.
  8. Tanielian, T., & Jaycox, L. H. (Eds.). (2008). Invisible wounds of war: Psychological and cognitive injuries, their consequences, and services to assist recovery. RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG720.html.
  9. Kleim, B., & Westphal, M. (2011). Mental health in first responders: A review and recommendation for prevention and intervention strategies. Traumatology, 17(4), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534765611429079.
  10. Skeffington, P. M., Rees, C. S., Mazzucchelli, T. G., & Kane, R. T. (2016). The primary prevention of PTSD in firefighters: Preliminary results of an RCT with 12-month follow-up. PLoS One, 11(7), e0155873. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0155873.
  11. Stanley, I. H., Hom, M. A., & Joiner, T. E. (2016). A systematic review of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. Clinical Psychology Review, 44, 25–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2015.12.002.
  12. Jones, S., Nagel, C., McSweeney, J., & Curran, G. (2018). Prevalence and correlates of psychiatric symptoms among first responders in a Southern State. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 32(6), 828–835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2018.06.007.
  13. U.S. Fire Administration. (2016). Fire-related firefighter injuries reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (2012–2014). https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=794838.
  14. Konrad, C., Geburek, A. J., Rist, F., Blumenroth, H., Fischer, B., Husstedt, I., Arolt, V., Schiffbauer, H., & Lohmann, H. (2011). Long-term cognitive and emotional consequences of mild traumatic brain injury. Psychological Medicine, 41(6), 1197–1211. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291710001728.