Comments Document
I am writing in strong support of HB 1313. I have served for over 23 years as a firefighter and paramedic in Arlington County, and I currently reside in Springfield, Virginia (ZIP 22152). I am also a member of IAFF Local 2800 and am submitting this testimony in my personal capacity.
In the fire service, mental injury is a line-of-duty injury. The trauma we experience is not usually the result of a single dramatic event, but the cumulative effect of repeated exposure to violence, death, and human suffering over many years. Pediatric calls, violent incidents where responders and patients are both at risk, and repeated medical calls involving death are routine parts of this profession. Over time, these experiences take a serious psychological toll, even on highly trained and resilient professionals.
Under current workers’ compensation law, first responders frequently face claim denials based on arguments that mental health conditions are “pre-existing” or not connected to a specific physical injury. This standard does not reflect how psychological injury actually develops in emergency responders. Trauma accumulates gradually, and by the time symptoms become disabling, they are often rooted in years of job-related exposure.
I have personally dealt with severe anxiety, mood instability, and depression stemming from repeated exposures in my career. I have also seen many colleagues struggle with similar issues, and a colleague from my recruit class recently died by suicide after nearly 23 years of service. While every case is different, it is clear that untreated occupational trauma can escalate into life-threatening crises if early treatment is not accessible.
These injuries also affect families. Long hours, staffing shortages, and mandatory overtime already place strain on households. When untreated mental health injuries are added, spouses and children live with the emotional unpredictability that comes with cumulative trauma. Supporting mental health care for first responders supports family stability and helps retain experienced professionals in public safety roles.
HB 1313 appropriately addresses this gap by clarifying that exacerbation of PTSD, anxiety, and depressive disorders from repeated occupational exposures can qualify as compensable injuries, allowing responders to access care earlier rather than being forced to deteriorate before qualifying for help.
I respectfully urge the committee to report HB 1313 favorably and allow it to advance.
Comments Document
I am writing in strong support of HB 1313. I have served for over 23 years as a firefighter and paramedic in Arlington County, and I currently reside in Springfield, Virginia (ZIP 22152). I am also a member of IAFF Local 2800 and am submitting this testimony in my personal capacity. In the fire service, mental injury is a line-of-duty injury. The trauma we experience is not usually the result of a single dramatic event, but the cumulative effect of repeated exposure to violence, death, and human suffering over many years. Pediatric calls, violent incidents where responders and patients are both at risk, and repeated medical calls involving death are routine parts of this profession. Over time, these experiences take a serious psychological toll, even on highly trained and resilient professionals. Under current workers’ compensation law, first responders frequently face claim denials based on arguments that mental health conditions are “pre-existing” or not connected to a specific physical injury. This standard does not reflect how psychological injury actually develops in emergency responders. Trauma accumulates gradually, and by the time symptoms become disabling, they are often rooted in years of job-related exposure. I have personally dealt with severe anxiety, mood instability, and depression stemming from repeated exposures in my career. I have also seen many colleagues struggle with similar issues, and a colleague from my recruit class recently died by suicide after nearly 23 years of service. While every case is different, it is clear that untreated occupational trauma can escalate into life-threatening crises if early treatment is not accessible. These injuries also affect families. Long hours, staffing shortages, and mandatory overtime already place strain on households. When untreated mental health injuries are added, spouses and children live with the emotional unpredictability that comes with cumulative trauma. Supporting mental health care for first responders supports family stability and helps retain experienced professionals in public safety roles. HB 1313 appropriately addresses this gap by clarifying that exacerbation of PTSD, anxiety, and depressive disorders from repeated occupational exposures can qualify as compensable injuries, allowing responders to access care earlier rather than being forced to deteriorate before qualifying for help. I respectfully urge the committee to report HB 1313 favorably and allow it to advance.