Training, PTSD Injury Claims Proposed for First Responders
Lincoln – The Business and Labor Committee heard testimony Jan. 27 on a bill meant to address the mental health toll experienced by emergency first responders.
LB 963, sponsored by Gordon Sen. Tom Brewer, would provide first responders with opportunities to receive resilience training to help prevent or mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The culture among first responders is one of toughness, which can lead to failure to recognize the symptoms of PTSD caused by trauma experienced while on the job.
The bill would allow first responders to establish a presumptive case of PTSD from cumulative injury or stress as a personal injury for workers’ compensation purposes. The state Department of Health and Human Services would reimburse first responders for resilience training if their employers do not.
Tyler Fausset was diagnosed with PTSD following a particularly traumatic call as an Omaha firefighter. He supported the bill, he said, because it provides a means for first responders to build resiliency and continue to serve their communities to their fullest potential.
Lynn Rex of the League of Nebraska Municipalities spoke in opposition to the bill. Her organization is supportive of the intent behind the bill, she said, but is concerned by the broad language that potentially would allow unqualified people to make medical diagnoses.
– Nebraska Unicameral Information Office
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