THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 30, 2022 Page 3 Sen. DiDomenico, a staunch supporter of firefighters, got hands-on experience at Fire Ops Day Senator highlighted his firefighter pTSD legislation O n September 20, Senator DiDomenico joined the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) Fire Ops event and got hands-on experience as a firefighter. With supervision from the experts, DiDomenico was able to wear fire gear, cut apart a car, extinguish a fire and learn about performing CPR. His partner for the day was Everett Fire Union President/PFFM Legislative Agent Lt. Craig Hardy. DiDomenico supports firefighters through his legislative agenda, advocating to pass legislation to support their mental health. “I have always been an unwavering supporter of Massachusetts firefighters and seeing what they do up close and personal has made me even more grateful for the heroic and dangerous work they do every single day,” said Senator DiDomenico, who is Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “I also want to thank my friend, Craig Hardy, for guiding me through all the steps during the Fire Ops training. Calling firefighters heroes is not enough, we need to put action behind our words and pass bills like my legislation, S.1691, which would support firefighters dealing with PTSD and reduce stigma State Senator Sal DiDomenico (right) is shown with Everett Firefighter Craig Hardy during the recent PFFM Fire Ops event in Boston. State legislators got hands-on experience as a firefighter with the use of training simulators and equipment. (Courtesy photo) around mental health.” Often when there is a tragedy or trauma, firefighters are the first to arrive at the scene, and such continuous exposure to car accidents, house fires and other emergencies can lead to the deterioration of their mental health. In fact, research has shown that repeated and extended exposure to traumatic events triggers Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at a similar rate experienced by military personnel who return from combat. Approximately 20% of firefighters and paramedics meet the criteria for PTSD, compared to the 6.8% lifetime risk of the general population; tragically, studies have shown that people who suffer from PTSD are six times more likely to commit suicide compared to those who do not suffer from PTSD. DiDomenico’s bill, S.1691, State Senator Sal DiDomenico (left) – in full firefighter gear – is shown receiving instructions prior to entering a fire and smoke simulation at a recent Fire Ops event in Boston. (Courtesy photo) and Representative Joe McGonagle’s bill, H.2726, would ensure that PTSD is treated like any other disability and help end the stigma associated with mental health assistance for firefighters. By defining PTSD as a disability and creating a presumption that PTSD was suffered in the line of duty, firefighters can receive the timely and adequate medical care they need to prevent chronic, disabling and potentially life-threatening disorders from developing.
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