Ohio EMS launches Safe Haven program to support First Responders’ Well-Being

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) Division of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) yesterday announced the launch of a safe haven program for EMTs and firefighters seeking support for burnout, mental health concerns, or substance use disorders.

Made possible through a collaboration between EMS and the Ohio Professionals Health Program (OhioPHP), the program provides a confidential, therapeutic alternative to traditional regulatory involvement for all Ohio certificate holders and applicants. This expands OhioPHP’s role in supporting healthcare professionals in Ohio for over 30 years to now include EMTs and firefighters. The new program also aligns with the DPS mission to keep first responders healthy, both mentally and physically.

“The State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS) is proud to have partnered with the OhioPHP and the expertise they have honed, offering these highly trained professionals real hope at recovery and reintegration into the fire and emergency medical services professions to which they have dedicated their careers,” said Robert Wagoner, executive director of the Division of EMS and CEO of the EMFTS Board.

The OhioPHP serves as the official monitoring organization for Ohio’s EMS safe haven program. OhioPHP has supported healthcare professionals across the state by partnering with multiple healthcare regulatory boards, giving more than 600,000 medical professionals access to its services.

“OhioPHP is proud to offer confidential support services to certificate holders of the Ohio Division of Emergency Medical Services,” said Richard Whitney, MD., medical director of OhioPHP. “The safe haven program is designed to encourage emergency medical services professionals to seek timely assistance for conditions such as substance use disorders, mental health concerns, and physically impairing health issues.”

Firefighters and EMTs face an increased risk of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression because of repeated exposure to traumatic events. The program provides EMS professionals with access to resources that support long-term well-being.

Participants who agree to treatment and monitoring under the program and remain compliant will not face disciplinary action based solely on impairment.

More information on the safe haven program can be found here.