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Trauma After Tragedy

PTSD in First Responders

Whether it’s called shell shock or combat fatigue, there has long been a recognized link between war and the symptoms we now call PTSD, such as reliving an event through flashbacks and nightmares. That broad recognition often isn’t there for police officers and firefighters — even as more mass shootings bring the scenes of war to U.S. soil.

7 stories published since 2018

Outside Review Faults Orlando Fire Department Policies and Mistakes in Pulse Shooting Response

by Abe Aboraya, WMFE,

Orlando Paramedics Didn’t Go In to Save Victims of the Pulse Shooting. Here’s Why.

by Abe Aboraya, WMFE,

How the Orlando Fire Department’s Active Shooter Policy Fell Through the Cracks

by Abe Aboraya, WMFE,

Five First Responders to the Pulse Massacre. One Diagnosis: PTSD.

by Abe Aboraya, WMFE,

Florida’s Governor Will Sign Bill Expanding Workers’ Comp Benefits for First Responders

by Abe Aboraya, WMFE,

First Responders in Florida Aren’t Covered for PTSD. That May Change After Parkland.

by Abe Aboraya, WMFE,

Help Us Investigate PTSD in First Responders

by Abe Aboraya, WMFE, and Beena Raghavendran, ProPublica,

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

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Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

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Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

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