When the helpers ‘feel helpless’: First responders get a boost in mental health support

By: Amanda Watford

Outlets: Stateline

Published: May 5, 2026

Words: 1,715

Last Updated: 4 weeks, 1 day ago

Body Text Preview

Ty Wooten didn’t realize the weight of answering his first 911 call — until more than a decade later.

A woman had dialed 911 to report that her husband had shot himself in front of her and their 7-year-old son, on the family’s living room couch. It was Wooten’s first call as a dispatcher.

“I wasn’t prepared for that, and I didn’t quite realize how difficult that call was for me for several years,” said …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

About

FAQ

Email Us