First Responders

DOJ Vicarious Trauma Toolkit for First Responders

The Vicarious Trauma—Organizational Readiness Guide (VT–ORG) helps civil service agencies recognize their strengths in supportive vicarious trauma-informed policies, procedures, practices, and programs, while also identifying gaps that may need attention. The tools in this section have been carefully selected for their relevance to a wide range of civil service organizations. After completing the VT–ORG for your agency, use the Scoresheet and Action Plan to analyze results and prioritize areas for improvement, then leverage the resources and research in the Vicarious Trauma Toolkit to implement strategies that enhance your organization’s capacity to respond effectively to work-related trauma exposure.

Support Resources

Boulder Crest Foundation

Boulder Crest Foundation is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping military, veteran, and first responder communities thrive in the aftermath of trauma. As the global leader in Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), the foundation delivers transformative programs, research, training, and advocacy to shift society’s approach to mental health from PTSD-focused care to growth, resilience, and empowerment.

GSF Podcast | Gary Sinise Foundation

The Gary Sinise Foundation, founded in 2011 by actor Gary Sinise, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports wounded veterans, first responders, and their families through programs, services, and events. Its initiatives include building mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes, providing meals, organizing support concerts, and offering educational trips and outreach, having raised over $300 million and directly served millions since its founding.

Home Base Program | Massachusetts General Hospital

Home Base, a National Center of Excellence, operates the largest private-sector clinic in the U.S. dedicated to treating invisible wounds and the only such clinic in New England. Since 2009, it has provided family-based, multidisciplinary care to Veterans, Service Members, and their families, working with the DoD and VA as a national model, and offers services to all, regardless of service era, discharge status, location, or ability to pay.

PeerConnect | First response Mental Health

A proactive peer support model promotes mental well-being among first responders by fostering connections during both challenges and celebrations, including key dates and life transitions. Support is provided from day one without requiring members to download an app, helping build a resilient, connected community.

Programs | First Responders Foundation | Support

The First Responders Foundation supports law enforcement, firefighters, dispatchers, EMTs, medical personnel, and veterans through behavioral health services, physical fitness programs, medication management, and more. While headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, programs and events are available nationwide, both in person and virtually via telehealth, tele-fitness, and online sessions.

National Center for PTSD

We are the world’s leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event. While stress reactions are normal and often improve within a few weeks, symptoms that persist for more than a month—or several months—may indicate PTSD. These can include upsetting memories, heightened anxiety, and difficulty sleeping or functioning, sometimes emerging later or fluctuating over time. The good news is that effective treatments are available, and learning about PTSD symptoms and care can support recovery.