First responder PTSD rates are higher than ever. What happens now?

August 28, 2025
Black Dog Institute

PTSD rates in first responders are rising worldwide

Global rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among emergency service workers are now higher than ever before, according to a landmark new study from Black Dog Institute.

The research found that 1 in 7 first responders have probable PTSD as a result of routine duties, a figure substantially higher than previous estimates of 1 in 10.  Further, 1 in 12 first responders have probable PTSD specifically related to responding to disasters.