Death of Twin Cities EMS provider sheds light on mental health challenges for first responders
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Colleagues remember Chuck Brady as patient, positive and having a bright light, even in the most traumatic situations he faced as an EMS provider.
Brady served as a paramedic and EMS inventory technician with Allina Health for 17 years. He died by suicide earlier this month.
“When we would go into a house and you would see a frantic family member or a a patient that had called 911 that was confused with the situation that they were in and why they were in it. And Chuck just has a very calming demeanor,” said Brett Hopper, a longtime colleague of Brady.
In a Gofundme shared by his family, it states “Chuck ended his life after suffering for many years from physical and mental trauma related to his experiences.”
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Brady’s mental health struggles illustrate a wider trend. EMS providers are 1.39 times more likely to die by suicide than the public.
Hopper, who also serves as union president for the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics Local 167, said the job can quickly weigh on a person.
While traumatic incidents like car crashes or industrial accidents may come to mind, Hopper said arriving to scenes where a patient may be alone or in a harmful environment can have a lasting toll.
“You know that they need to go home to that same environment that you're taking them out of,” Hopper told Minnesota Now host Nina Moini, “and those are sometimes some of the worst things that we deal with our own mental health as we think back… and go, ‘oh man, I wish I could have done something more.’”
Hopper said the loss of Brady is like losing a family member. His colleagues have been reminiscing on fond memories and sharing stories as they grieve.
Hopper said mental health resources for first responders have grown tremendously in recent years. Some companies are starting to use chaplain resources and are forming peer support groups. Hopper also points to organizations like the Invisible Wounds Project and Soldiers 6 which help provide mental health resources.
Still there are barriers, including asking for time off to seek support.
Hopper hopes that if anyone is struggling, that they’ll reach out. “Somebody out there loves you and wants the best for you.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Call or text 988 to get connected with trained counselors who can help. The 988 suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7.
Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation between Hopper and Minnesota Now host Nina Moini.
