First Responders and Essential Workers
The COVID-19 pandemic has required the support of a much broader and extensive group of workers beyond traditional first responders: police, fire, and emergency medical personnel. For the purpose of defining the universe of first responders and essential workers during COVID-19, the one thing that they all have in common is:
First Responders and Essential Workers have to leave their homes to do their work, which results in greater health risks.
During a pandemic, leaving your home can produce ongoing concerns regarding your health and safety. Add to this the pressure of working while wearing a mask, the pressure of doing more or different work, and experiencing torn loyalties between work and home. These factors have the potential to increase stress and anxiety.
Some of the things we’ve heard from first responders and essential workers during COVID-19:
- Others doing the same job have become seriously ill.
- “I’m concerned I will carry the virus home and infect my family.”
- "My friends and family are urging me to stop going to work because of the risks.”
- “I’m exhausted.”
- “My administration seems to be more concerned about productivity instead of my health and safety.
- Social isolation and imposed restrictions eliminate the ways I would usually handle stress
- There’s no end in sight.
On behalf of Erie County’s leadership, we would like to extend our heartfelt THANKS for your contribution to the response to COVID-19. We recognize the sacrifices made by you and your families, and we are eternally grateful for your commitment and sacrifice.
In an effort to support you, we invite you to explore the resources we are compiling to help support you during this very difficult time.
Managing the Stress Associated with Coronavirus
There are counseling and support resources for Essential and Frontline workers. Click the links below for more information.
Endeavor Health Services COVID COPE
Western New York Trauma Recovery Network - available to Buffalo Police Department and other first responders and health care providers responding to traumatic events of COVID-19.
Information for Supervisors of Frontline Workers
First Responder Resiliency TeleECHO Program
The First Responder Resiliency ECHO is aimed at increasing self-care and resiliency in crisis. Led by a team of subject matter experts including internationally acknowledged disaster psychologist, Dr. George Everly, and Dr. Jeff Katzman, a leading expert in trauma and resiliency, this interdisciplinary team's expertise includes: Critical Incidence Trauma Care, Psychiatry, Emergency and Pre-hospital Medicine, Law Enforcement Mental Health, and Pastoral Care.
Please email firstresponderecho@salud.unm.edu with any questions
Mondays 4:00-5:00pm ET
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
July 6, 13, 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17, 24
COVID-19 CLINICAL ROUNDS
EMS: Patient Care and Operations
A Peer to Peer Virtual Community of Practice
Mondays 12:00 – 1:00pm ET
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
July 6, 13, 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31