Your Life Matters

Resources for first responders and their families seeking information to help navigate mental health challenges

A First Responder's Life Cannot Be Compromised.

Each and every day, countless first responders answer the call for help, oftentimes enduring wounds that time cannot seem to heal.  Throughout one's career as a first responder, repeated exposure to trauma is likely.  Left unchecked, the results can be damaging, and even deadly.  Year after year, more first responders die by their own hand than in the line of duty.  Survive First is determined to change that statistic.

#livehappy
How are first responders being affected?

Statistics from recent years

17

Verified Firefighter
Suicides in 2021

Source: First H.E.L.P.

156

Verified Law Enforcement
Suicides in 2021

Source: First H.E.L.P.

85%

Percentage of First Responders Reporting
Mental Health Symptoms

Source: University of Phoenix

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Symptoms of PTSD


Know the symptoms to help those around you #livehappy

Cognition & Mood Changes

  • Inability to recall key features of event
  • Negative beliefs about self or world
  • Distorted blame
  • Persistent fear, horror, anger, guilt, shame
  • Diminished interest in activities
  • Feeling alienated
  • Inability to feel positive emotions

Intrusion

  • Involuntary or Recurrent memories
  • Traumatic Nightmares or Night Terrors
  • Flashbacks
  • Intense or Prolonged Distress After Exposure to Reminders

Avoidance

  • Thoughts / Feelings
  • People/Conversations / Situations
  • Objects / Places
  • Social / Physical Activities

Arousal & Reactivity

  • Involuntary or Recurrent memories
  • Traumatic Nightmares or Night Terrors
  • Flashbacks
  • Intense or Prolonged Distress After Exposure to Reminders

Mission

Survive First is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to reduce first responder suicide through quality education, peer support, and mental health and wellness resources, while fostering a greater sense of community and awareness amongst first responders and their supporters. Survive First will strive to eliminate the stigma often associated with seeking mental health treatment.

We are a resource for first responders and their families seeking information to help navigate the mental health challenges a career in public safety and health fields often bring.

All communications are confidential. No first responder is alone. There is help. We are here.

We Care from Experience​

Survive First was founded by Doug and Karen Monda to help first responders and their families navigate the mental health challenges that can occur with a career as a first responder.

We provide:

  • Educational opportunities for first responders and their families.
  • Resources for treatment planning for active and rertired first responders.
  • Financial assistance for treatment through our Treatment Assistance Fund.
  • Opportunities for first responders and their family members to become actively engaged in their overall health and wellness.

Testimonials

News

Survive First Partners With PYVOT

In the demanding world of first responders, physical and mental well-being are paramount. Yet, the ...
Read More

Survive First Hosts Its 6th Annual Run for Responders 5k

 On January 6th, nearly 600 runners, with the inspiring participation of almost 200 first responders, ...
Read More

2023: A Year of Appreciation and Gratitude

As we approach the end of 2023, we wanted to take a moment to express ...
Read More

Our Partners

Who make our services possible

Confidentiality of Communications and Records

RCW 43.101.425

Maintaining your Privacy

All communications to crisis referral services by employees and volunteers of law enforcement, correctional, firefighting, and emergency services agencies, and all records related to the communications, shall be confidential.  Crisis referral services include all public or private organizations that advise employees and volunteers of such agencies about sources of consultation and treatment for personal problems including mental health issues, chemical dependency, domestic violence, gambling financial problems, and other personal crises.

A crisis referral service may reveal information related to crisis referral services to prevent reasonably certain death, substantial bodily harm, or commission of a crime.

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