Few lines of work incur more workplace injuries than the work of first responders. These are people who risk their own harm to respond to emergency situations, and deserve all the workers’ compensation benefits to which they’re entitled.

What is a first responder?

A first responder is a highly-skilled worker trained to provide assistance in an emergency. First responders include police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel such as paramedics, and sometimes military or hospital personnel.

Firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical technicians have physically-challenging jobs, often in response to precarious situations. Even a simple emergency, such as paramedics moving an elderly patient down a flight of stairs, can cause the sort of strain that results in either a temporary or permanent disability.

Are there long-term injuries common for first responders?

EMTs are likely to incur physical injuries, such as neck, back, arm, or leg injuries. The physical strains of the job may result in short or long-term injuries. Police officers may face physical violence on the job.

Many first responders face additional risks of disease, such as leukemia, after repeated exposure to chemicals in emergency situations. Firefighters face higher risks of cancer from smoke inhalation. Cancer is one of the most common medical issues for firefighters other than orthopedic injuries, such as back, neck, or ankle injuries.

Do first responders face mental health adversity?

PTSD can be challenging to prove in any workers’ compensation case, yet first responders face an inordinate amount of mental stress. It’s worth taking time to review the State of California First Responder Claims for PTSD in Workers’ Compensation research brief to learn more about PTSD in the field, and how California law protects workers.

We will advocate for first responders

First responders have extraordinarily difficult jobs. Handling a workers’ compensation claim may add extra stress and mental strain to an already-stressful situation. The Law Offices of Melissa J. Lyons, Inc. know the workers’ compensation system inside and out, and will advocate for you in the system. Please fill out our intake form for a free consultation.