First Responder Mental Health & Well-Being Survey
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Your responses will help us better understand the mental health challenges first responders face, including PTSD, depression, and suicide risk. This survey is completely anonymous. Please answer honestly. If at any point you feel distressed, please stop and seek support using the resources provided in the Crisis Response Statement.
📌 Mission
This survey is designed to anonymously assess the mental health of first responders, focusing on symptoms of depression and PTSD. The results will help raise awareness and advocate for better mental health resources.
🔒 Privacy Policy
This survey is completely anonymous unless you choose to participate in a follow-up interview. No personally identifiable information is collected in the initial survey. Responses are used solely for research and awareness efforts by Hope’s House Inc to advocate for first responder mental health. If you choose to opt-in for an interview, you will be directed to a separate form where you can voluntarily provide your contact information. This information will be kept confidential and used only for the purpose of scheduling and conducting interviews. By continuing with this survey, you acknowledge that: Participation is voluntary. You may skip any question you do not wish to answer .If you feel distressed at any time, please stop and seek support. If you have any questions about this survey or how your responses will be used, please contact tyler@hopeshouse.life
🚨 Crisis Response Statement
If you are in distress or need immediate help, please reach out to one of the following resources:📞 Safe Call Now: Confidential first responder crisis hotline – Call 1-206-459-3020📞 Fire/EMS Helpline: For fire and EMS personnel – Call 1-888-731-3473📞 COPLINE: For law enforcement officers – Call 1-800-267-5463📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or text 988 for immediate support📞 Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 You are not alone. Help is available.
Disclaimer
Participation in this survey is for informational and awareness purposes only. The results do not constitute a medical diagnosis, nor should they be used as a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are experiencing distress or have concerns about your mental health, please seek support from a qualified healthcare provider. If you need assistance in finding a qualified mental healthcare provider, please contact us at Tyler@hopeshouse.life
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Section 1: Demographic Information
(Optional – No identifying information collected)
What is your role? (select all that apply)
Firefighter
EMS (Paramedic/EMT
Law Enforcement
911 Dispatcher
Other
How many years have you served as a first responder?
Less than 1 year
1-5 years
6-10 years
11-15 years
15-20 years
20+ years
Do you have access to mental health resources through your employer?
Yes
No
Unsure
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Section 2: Mental Health & Well-Being
How often do you experience job-related stress affecting your daily life?
Never
Occasionally
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
Have you ever experienced symptoms of PTSD (flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness) due to your job?
Yes
No
Unsure
Have you ever had depressive thoughts or felt persistent sadness related to your work as a first responder?
Yes, Frequently
Yes, Occassionally
No
Have you ever had suicidal thoughts since becoming a first responder?
Yes, Frequently
Yes, Occasionlly
No
Have you personally known a fellow first responder who has died by suicide?
Yes
No
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Section 3: Symptoms of Depression (Optional)
Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems? (0 = Not at all, 1 = Several days, 2 = More than half the days, 3 = Nearly every day)
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
0 (Not at all)
1 (Several days)
2 (More than half the days)
3 (Nearly every day)
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
0 (Not at all)
1 (Several days)
2 (More than half the days)
3 (Nearly every day)
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
0 (Not at all)
1 (Several days)
2 (More than half the days)
3 (Nearly every day)
Feeling tired or having little energy
0 (Not at all)
1 (Several days)
2 (More than half the days)
3 (Nearly every day)
Poor appetite or overeating
0 (Not at all)
1 (Several days)
2 (More than half the days)
3 (Nearly every day)
Feeling bad about yourself—or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
0 (Not at all)
1 (Several days)
2 (More than half the days)
3 (Nearly every day)
Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching television
0 (Not at all)
1 (Several days)
2 (More than half the days)
3 (Nearly every day)
Moving or speaking so slowly that other people have noticed? Or the opposite—being so fidgety or restless that you move around a lot more than usual?
0 (Not at all)
1 (Several days)
2 (More than half the days)
3 (Nearly every day)
Thoughts that you would be better off dead or thoughts of hurting yourself in some way
0 (Not at all)
1 (Several days)
2 (More than half the days)
3 (Nearly every day)
Section 4: Symptoms of PTSD (Optional)
In the past month, how often have you experienced the following symptoms related to a traumatic event(s) on the job? (0 = Not at all, 1 = A little bit, 2 = Moderately, 3 = Quite a bit, 4 = Extremely)
Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories and/or dreams of a stressful experience?
0 (Not at all)
1 (A little bit)
2 (Moderately)
3 (Quite a bit)
4 (Extremely)
Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were happening again (as if you were actually back there reliving it)?
0 (Not at all)
1 (A little bit)
2 (Moderately)
3 (Quite a bit)
4 (Extremely)
Feeling very upset when something reminds you of the stressful experience?
0 (Not at all)
1 (A little bit)
2 (Moderately)
3 (Quite a bit)
4 (Extremely)
Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience (e.g., heart pounding, sweating, trouble breathing)?
0 (Not at all)
1 (A little bit)
2 (Moderately)
3 (Quite a bit)
4 (Extremely)
Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the traumatic event(s)?
0 (Not at all)
1 (A little bit)
2 (Moderately)
3 (Quite a bit)
4 (Extremely)
Feeling distant or cut off from other people?
0 (Not at all)
1 (A little bit)
2 (Moderately)
3 (Quite a bit)
4 (Extremely)
Having difficulty experiencing positive emotions (e.g., happiness, love, satisfaction)?
0 (Not at all)
1 (A little bit)
2 (Moderately)
3 (Quite a bit)
4 (Extremely)
Feeling irritable or having angry outbursts?
0 (Not at all)
1 (A little bit)
2 (Moderately)
3 (Quite a bit)
4 (Extremely)
Being "super alert" or watchful?
0 (Not at all)
1 (A little bit)
2 (Moderately)
3 (Quite a bit)
4 (Extremely)
Feeling jumpy or easily startled?
0 (Not at all)
1 (A little bit)
2 (Moderately)
3 (Quite a bit)
4 (Extremely)
Section 5: Barriers to Seeking Help
Have you ever sought mental health treatment related to your work as a first responder?
Yes
No
Considered it but did not pursue
If not, what is the biggest barrier preventing you from seeking mental health support? (Select all that apply)
Stigma / Fear of judgment
Concern over job security or reputation
Lack of access to services
Cost of mental health services
Feeling that I should "Tough it out"
Other
Please Specify if "Other"
Section 6: Additional Thoughts and Optional Follow-Up
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience as a first responder and mental health?
Would you be willing to participate in a follow-up interview to help bring awareness to first responder mental health?
Yes (Please follow link after submission)
No (Thank you for participating in this anonymous survey!)
Crisis Response Statement
If you are in distress or need immediate help, please reach out to one of the following resources:📞 Safe Call Now: Confidential first responder crisis hotline – Call 1-206-459-3020📞 Fire/EMS Helpline: For fire and EMS personnel – Call 1-888-731-3473📞 COPLINE: For law enforcement officers – Call 1-800-267-5463📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or text 988 for immediate support📞 Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 You are not alone. Help is available.
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