First responders share stories of PTSD, urge Georgia lawmakers to pass HB 451

January 10th, 2024

HB451 is a proposed bill that would allow first responders who are diagnosed with PTSD after experiencing trauma on the job to receive worker’s compensation. (Photo credit: Camilo Jimenez, Jay Heike, and David Von Diemar)

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 1 in 3 police officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel are impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look” marked the start of a two-day series discussing serious health disorders and how they impact first responders.

Show host Rose Scott spoke with several guests, including advocates and first responders, about how PSTD affects them and why they are supporting HB 451.

The proposed bill would create an insurance program that provides worker’s compensation to first responders who witness trauma.

Guests include:

Gwinnett County Police Sergeant Ashley Wilson

Brandi Cook, the sister of Gwinnett Battalion Chief Chris Baggett

Lyndsey Perry, a 15-year law enforcement veteran

Butch Ayers, the executive director of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police

David Eddins, the fire chief of the Waycross Fire Department and the past president of the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs