Neptune, NJ, 10/05/2023 –Mental and physical wellness is critical to a professional, successful ambulance service. Because EMS providers are exposed to traumatic incidents at much higher rates than the general population, they are more susceptible to mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety and suicide.

NTEMS has initiated a Peer Support program with six certified Mental Health Resilience Officers (MHRO), three Peer Support Specialists, an employee wellness app and updated policies.

The Mental Health Resilience Officer (MHRO) course prepares EMS personnel to serve as their agency’s Mental Health Resilience Officer. In this role, the MHRO will engage with peers to develop an understanding of mental health issues and resilience; identify peers who are experiencing mental health stressors and crises; navigate peers in need to the right services for help; and support the development of a culture of mental health resilience and emotional wellness within the agency.

Additionally, NTEMS has three Peer Support Specialists (PSS) certified through the National Emergency Responder and Safety Center. This 25-hour course enables the PSS to recognize and intervene when a first responder is experiencing a crisis of any origin. The curriculum included recognition of stress from a multitude of sources including work or family life, self-harm, substance use and misuse, PTSD, Critical Incident Stress, Compassion Fatigue, Vicarious Trauma, suicidal ideations and more.

To proactively address these mental health challenges among Neptune Township employees, NTEMS has launched a customized, confidential wellness app that will be available to all NTEMS and NTOEM personnel and their families. Powered by Cordico, the leader in public safety wellness technology, the app includes a wellness toolkit addressing 60 behavioral health topics such as fatigue, suicide prevention and alcohol abuse, mental health self-assessments, and videos and guides on yoga, mindfulness, nutrition and more.  In addition, the app provides contact information for the MHROs, PSSs, local therapists who specialize in and have experience working with first responders and connects users with the other local, state and national services.

Personnel and their family members will have confidential, 24/7 access to the app to ensure they have the resources they need in their most difficult moments – on or off-duty. “No one should ever feel blocked from accessing help at times of need due to their schedule or location or concerns about confidentiality, and that is especially true of our public safety personnel who dedicate their professional lives to responding to others’ emergencies,” says Cordico founder and president Dr. David Black.

NTEMS will utilize this technology to help personnel build resilience and avoid the negative long-term effects of high job-related stress.

Of the program, EMS Manager Bil Rosen said: “Creating a wellness-focused culture is crucial. We should pay more attention to building resilience, fostering emotional intelligence, and promoting better sleep, physical health, mindfulness, nutrition, and support. This helps boost morale, resilience, and coping skills, ultimately making our environment safer and more satisfying for everyone.”

The Peer Support Program Manager is EMS Manager Rosen, Clinical Advisor is Dr. Jeffrey Newenhouse, and Medical Director is Dr. Stephen Vetrano.

NTEMS joins hundreds of agencies and organizations nationwide served by Cordico.

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About Neptune Township Emergency Medical Services
NTEMS consists of 3 volunteer squads and a paid division.  The Mission of the Neptune Township Emergency Medical Services (NTEMS) is to provide clinically and operationally excellent response and emergency medical care to the residents and visitors of Neptune Township. Neptune Township Emergency Medical Services is dedicated to providing the highest quality pre-hospital and out of hospital treatment with prompt and safe transport. We will accomplish this while assuring appropriate response in emergency and non-emergency situations. We will have total regard for the best possible service. We recognize that each patient has individual needs which comprise the total person and we have the responsibility to assist patients with their healthcare needs.

If you are interested in Volunteering with Neptune EMS, please contact NTEMS@NeptuneTownship.org or complete an application here: https://neptuneems.org/ems-recruitment/?mibextid=Zxz2cZ