It’s important to be safe as you protect your town. It makes a difference, especially in Indiana. Because it’s there that there are several teams that respond to emergencies all over the area. Those folks had partnered with Beacon Health to join in something like an emergency preparedness drill, on Monday morning, over at the Elkhart Municipal Airport.

Groups of folks from the Tri-County Ambulance Service, the Elkhart Fire Department and even the Indiana State Police. The drill itself was a simulation of a 35-car motor collision all along the Indiana Toll Road.

Such a drill had used over 30 “victims.” that had voluntarily given way for the roles. All while every victim had themselves different types of injuries and danger occur to them. All of this to navigate as the firefighters had plenty to maneuver through. Various officials from emergency response teams had relocated to victims all while prepping them for transport. All while the drill had kept on for staff members all over the Elkhart General Hospital.

First Responders Are Necessary. Their Mental Health is a priority.

Indiana lawmakers are steadfast in getting First Responders the mental health services that they deserve. 7% of the firefighters suffer from PTSD meanwhile, about 6%. EMS Personnel, meanwhile, have the highest rates at 15%.

In the Indiana community, the paramedics and EMTs are looking to be considered more often in the conversation for furthering mental health among first responders.

And carrying out this drill in Elkhart is just another way the whole force is trying to support one another.

The First Responders in that county spend countless hours practicing in the scenario of an emergency when they run these drills. So it’s important to stay vigilant for any sort of extra unordinary problems or outlying factors that could really mess with one of these first responders on the field and in their head.