Frontline resource · Wellness and support

First responder wellness: resources for departments

Police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel face physical and psychological demands that accumulate over a career. This page is written for department leaders building or improving wellness support. It is general information, not medical advice.

Last reviewed · 3 min read · Frontline for Public Safety

If someone is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. This page is informational and does not provide diagnosis or treatment.

Components of a wellness program

  • Physical health: medical evaluations, fitness, sleep and fatigue management
  • Behavioral health: confidential counseling with clinicians who understand first responder work
  • Peer support: trained colleagues who can listen and connect people to help
  • Critical incident response and follow-up
  • Family support and education
  • Financial wellness and retirement planning

Authoritative resources

NIOSH publishes research on first responder occupational health, including fatigue and cardiovascular risk. SAMHSA offers behavioral health resources for first responders and their families. The U.S. Fire Administration and the DOJ COPS Office publish wellness guidance for fire and law enforcement agencies.

Making support something people actually use

  • Guarantee confidentiality and explain it clearly
  • Make access simple — one number, one app, one person
  • Have leaders talk openly about using support
  • Check in regularly, not only after critical incidents

Where Frontline fits

Frontline, powered by 360 Advantage, adds personalized physical and mental health support focused on the individual — helping surface concerns earlier and guide appropriate next steps. It works alongside existing EAP, peer support and department resources; it is not a replacement for medical care or emergency services.

Sources and further reading

Support that works alongside what you already offer.

Frontline, powered by 360 Advantage, adds personalized physical and mental health support focused on the individual.