Pro Tem Treat Passes Measure to Help First Responders Suffering from PTSD

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today passed a measure off the Senate floor that will ensure first responders suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) off the Senate floor.

Senate Bill 1457 will ensure mental injury or illness sustained by a first responder in their line of duty are eligible for compensation if a physician diagnoses them with PTSD. Under the measure, first responders will be eligible for treatment benefits and appropriate paid leave time.

“First responders go to work every day into potentially unimaginable circumstances,” Pro Tem Treat said. “They have a difficult job and are tasked with protecting and serving their communities. They witness and are subjected to sometimes horrific scenes and need the protection and support to get their mental health back in order. PTSD leads to horrible, debilitating injuries that can leave lifelong scars that are unseen. This legislation aims to help them with the stress they are left with, and it is the least we, as lawmakers, can do to assist them for everything they do for the communities they serve.

“I want to thank my Senate colleague, Senator Paul Rosino, and House author, Representative Chris Kannady that helped shepherd this legislation and are passionate about this issue.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD is a disorder that develops in some individuals who experience a shocking or dangerous event. Symptoms can lead to feelings of stress, anger and may interfere with parts of daily life.

Symptoms can begin to worsen over time. They can lead a person to feel detached from friends or family members. People with PTSD often have co-occurring conditions, such as depression, substance use, or one or more anxiety disorders.