What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to assess the mental health needs and challenges faced by EMS professionals in New York State.

March 25, 2026

Mental Health Needs and Challenges Among EMS Professionals

Key Points

The research aims to assess the mental health needs and challenges faced by EMS professionals in New York State.
Conducted a statewide web survey targeting EMS personnel and first responders.
Sample included 2,229 EMS professionals across New York State.
Analyzed survey data using descriptive statistics and thematic qualitative data analysis for focus groups.
Over two-thirds of EMS personnel experienced significant stress.
A majority reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, while nearly half showed signs of PTSD.
20% of EMS professionals reported thoughts of suicide.
Barriers to seeking mental health care include stigma, fear of career impact, and lack of culturally competent providers.

Abstract

Introduction: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel are regularly exposed to high-stress situations, traumatic events, and life-threatening environments. The constant barrage of intense scenarios and critical incidents, along with chronic stressors of the job, places them at risk for burnout and the development of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. The Mental Health Needs Assessment (MHNA) explores issues related to mental health for EMS in New York State (NYS). Methods: The MHNA is based on a representative, statewide web survey and qualitative focus groups. The sampling frame includes first responder occupations across NYS, including EMS. The final EMS survey sample was 2,229. Survey data were evaluated through basic descriptive statistics. Thematic qualitative data analysis was applied to focus group data. Results: There are multiple sources of stress for EMS. Critical incidents, like traumatic events, and workplace challenges, like toxic work culture, were identified as sources of stress by the majority of EMS. Approximately 4 in 10 EMS cited public perception of the profession, difficulty with colleagues, and shiftwork as stressful elements of their work. EMS reports a range of mental health challenges. Stress was experienced by more than two-thirds of EMS. A majority of EMS reported having experienced symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Just under half experienced symptoms associated with PTSD. Thoughts of suicide were reported by 20 percent. EMS encounters barriers to seeking mental health care. Approximately eight in ten reported stigma, fear of being seen as unreliable, and lack of culturally competent providers as barriers to seeking care. About three-quarters cited concern about negative career impact and concern about confidentiality as barriers to seeking care. Conclusion: EMS in NYS, as elsewhere, faces multiple stressors, endures a range of mental health challenges, and confronts barriers to seeking mental health care. MHNA revealed important information and implications for improving interventions among EMS.

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