FIRST RESPONDERS

The impact of a first responder’s job is felt throughout their entire family:

• The life expectancy of a first responder is 20 years less than average.
• Police officers aged 55 to 60 have a 56% chance of dying from a heart attack – 35 times the average.
• First responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
• 20 to 35% of all first responders experience post-traumatic stress.

MILITARY PERSONNEL

• Since 2006, a total of 17,645 active-duty personnel have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• There are more than 6,000 veteran suicides each year.
• 37 to 50% of Afghanistan and Iraq War veterans have been diagnosed with a mental disorder.  These conditions are associated with substance use disorders, reintegration stresses, sleep disturbances, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and violence in relationships.