Documentary · First Responder Mental Health
Hero's RescueFirst responders want to change the world, but the world is changing them.
At one point in all our lives, First Responders will be there in our worst moment to help us. The traumas they witness have an impact on their brain and body, and have led many to tragically take their own lives. Suicide is an escape from the suffering they feel; this escape leaves behind more pain and trauma for their families.
The stigma surrounding mental wellness has no place in today’s society. This film will educate viewers and help them understand the importance of support and compassion for First Responders who are suffering from mental health issues. Every First Responder organization must begin to provide mental wellness support in their training. This story will show us why.
Hero’s Rescue began with a simple premise: the people we rely on in our worst moments carry those moments home with them. The documentary was produced by Brady Pilster and Atlee James, and directed by Atlee James, over the course of multiple interview shoots with serving and former first responders across North America.
The subject matter required a specific approach on camera. First responders are trained to hold composure under pressure – getting them to speak honestly about mental health struggles, trauma, and loss on screen meant building genuine trust before the camera rolled. The interview framework was designed to create space for that, drawing out specific memories and experiences rather than asking subjects to speak in abstractions.
Post production focused on pacing and emotional structure. A documentary about mental health in emergency services can easily tip into something heavy-handed or exploitative. The edit was built to let the subjects carry the story in their own words, with music and sound design used to support rather than manipulate. The result is a film that respects both the people on screen and the audience watching it.
Hero’s Rescue has screened across North America with the support of CODE4NW, 1st Responder Conferences, and Cordico. It is available to watch free on YouTube and is actively used in training and awareness programs within first responder organizations.
It doesn’t always have to be the horrible, graphic scene to get your attention. Sometimes it’s just the one that could of ended badly… but didn’t.
I started to feel like I was unraveling … I would perform at work, but outside of that, I was truly unraveling. You can only stuff your emotions for so long until something happens.
We are not robots and we have emotions. Sometimes the calls we go on we are going to have a reaction to.
The traumas that First Responders witness have a tremendous impact on their mental and physical health, and have tragically led many to take their own lives.
Hero’s Rescue aims to educate viewers about the importance of mental health support and compassion for the brave men and women who choose careers as First Responders.
We would be grateful if you would let us know when you download so we can send a thank you. We also provide guidance on leading discussions after the viewing, as well as downloadable materials for your audience.
A simple discussion guide: the 3-2-1 strategy
We are grateful to the following organizations for supporting this film.
