Lawrence County EMS Personnel Share Message on Mental Health Awareness

Lawrence County EMS Assistant Director Kane Watkins recently shared a personal message from Lawrence County EMS Paramedic Michael Wright highlighting the emotional toll emergency calls can have on first responders and healthcare workers.

In the social media post recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month, Wright reflected on a traumatic call from nearly a year ago that he says continues to affect him and others who responded that day.

Wright wrote that first responders often push emotions aside during emergencies in order to focus on helping others, but said those experiences can leave lasting emotional scars long after the incident ends.

He also emphasized that many emergency workers become skilled at hiding their struggles while continuing to serve others each day.

Wright encouraged anyone struggling with mental health challenges to talk with someone and urged the public to check on healthcare workers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other emergency responders.

He concluded the post by thanking the families, responders, and bystanders involved in the incident he referenced and said he continues praying for everyone affected.