09/26/2026
EMS Su***de Awareness — A Message from Fire Angels
To our fellow EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, dispatchers, and every member of the EMS community:
We spend our lives answering calls for people on some of the worst days of their lives. We walk into scenes most people will never see. We witness tragedy, fear, death, grief, and suffering—and then we’re expected to clear the call, get the unit ready, and answer the next one.
But sometimes the lifesavers need help too.
If you’re struggling with depression, trauma, burnout, or suicidal thoughts, please know that you are not alone. Needing someone after a difficult call does not erase the lives you’ve saved or make you any less capable of wearing the uniform.
Check on your crew—not just after the obviously traumatic calls, but on the quiet days too. Ask twice. Listen without judgment. Make it okay for someone to say, “I’m not doing well today.”
And if you’re the person struggling, please reach out. Talk to a trusted partner, friend, family member, peer-support member, chaplain, counselor, or another person who will sit beside you and listen. You spend so much of your life showing up for strangers. You deserve to have someone show up for you.
Your story is bigger than the worst call you’ve answered and bigger than the darkest moment you’re experiencing.
YOU MATTER. YOU BELONG. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.
Fire Angels
Chief Hoffman
Fighting to Answer Your Prayers
If you are in immediate danger or feel you may act on suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 for immediate emergency assistance.