First Responders in Crisis

A stirring documentary that examines the hidden mental health crisis affecting those who run toward danger, this film juxtaposes stark statistics — first responders make up less than 2% of the population but account for nearly 20% of suicides — with intimate, on-the-job and at-home moments. Through candid interviews with firefighters, police officers, and EMTs, as well as their loved ones, the film reveals how repeated exposure to trauma, institutional stigma, and a culture of stoicism take a cumulative toll on lives and careers.

Combining firsthand testimony with commentary from mental health experts and archival footage of emergency scenes, the documentary explores both the gaps in care and the grassroots programs offering hope. It calls for systemic change while honoring the resilience of those who serve, making a compelling case for compassion, better resources, and an honest national conversation about how to support the people who protect us.