Who Will Rescue the Rescuer?

First responders face scenes of repeated tragedy daily and do it willingly as a chosen profession. We spend months and years in education and preparing for a position that is meant to help others in their time of need.

Yet no one can be properly trained for how this can impact their mental health. We can protect ourselves physically, but how can we better protect ourselves from the stresses of the job? 

I am currently producing a documentary, “Who Will Rescue the Rescuer,” which will focus on the challenges that face first responders. The film will look into the culture of our system, the barriers to asking for help, how our governments recognize and treat these symptoms, and what we’re doing for ourselves to stay healthy and cope with the rigors of our work. 

With this documentary, I hope to change the stigma about mental health injuries that include the diagnoses of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that have dramatically increased within our ranks. These disorders are leading many down a destructive road to addiction, physical outbursts, self-harm, and suicide rates that are outnumbering line-of-duty deaths. We have a true epidemic on our hands.

“Who Will Rescue the Rescuer” will explore the ways these concerns are being addressed, from the U.S. to Canada and the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Rounding out the production team are veteran EMS and fire professionals who maintain the insider’s view of the struggles providers face without casting a negative image on the subject. 

Why a film? We are an entertainment-based society. People respond to films. Whether you’re a firefighter in Belgium or a police officer in Iowa or an EMS worker in Saskatchewan, we want you to know you aren’t alone. Others are going through the same thing. The film says, "Here’s what can be done, and here are some tools to deal with what you are going through.” 

The idea for this film began with the loss of Maine firefighter/EMT/dispatcher Isaac “Skippy” Greenlaw last September. Skippy was a friend and inspiration to many who traveled from all over America and parts of Canada to cycle in numerous EMS memorial events to remember his fellow fallen providers.  

“Who Will Rescue the Rescuer” needs funding to happen. The overall cost is estimated to be over $750,000. The first step is to film in Maine to capture enough footage to apply for larger grants to complete the project. We are looking to raise the first $10,000 now through our Indiegogo campaign with your support.

Please support us at this link, and please share with others. Thank you!

Jen Lyon has been a paramedic for 19 years and began making films in 2016. She owns Alphadu Productions and has produced nine international award-winning films. Visit www.alphaduproductions.com and www.jenlyon.com