Looking for some advice/ experience with returning to work or leaving emergency services. I am 12 years+ in EMS/Fire Full-time with a ton of overtime during these years. I finally reached out to get treatment and am considering leaving the business all together. Or continue without picking up extra shifts and manage the PTSD the best I can. I am also worried about the symptoms getting worse in the long run.
Anyone with experience either returning to work or getting out of the industry would be of huge help to me!
Things that influence my decision:
1) Where I live we are very well paid in EMS/Fire and anything else will reduce my income by 50% give or take. Not to mention pension etc.
2) My wife is has a debilitating back injury which reduces her income potential so I will always have to make up the slack.
3) I am not complete treatment yet and have not returned on car yet. (Do not know where my new "resting point" will be.
4) Where I work I am surrounded by those who have not gotten treatment and choose negative coping mechanisms but I am able to separate my work life and home life.
Anyone with experience either returning to work or getting out of the industry would be of huge help to me!
Things that influence my decision:
1) Where I live we are very well paid in EMS/Fire and anything else will reduce my income by 50% give or take. Not to mention pension etc.
2) My wife is has a debilitating back injury which reduces her income potential so I will always have to make up the slack.
3) I am not complete treatment yet and have not returned on car yet. (Do not know where my new "resting point" will be.
4) Where I work I am surrounded by those who have not gotten treatment and choose negative coping mechanisms but I am able to separate my work life and home life.