Tidewater EMS Council Announces Special Screenings of PTSD911 During Regional Quarterly Training Event

The Tidewater EMS Council is proud to announce two special screenings of the acclaimed documentary PTSD911 on Saturday, October 24, as part of its Two-Day Quarterly Training Event being held at Virginia Peninsula Community College.

The event, generously sponsored by Suffolk Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2801, will provide EMS professionals, firefighters, law enforcement officers, dispatchers, healthcare providers, and public safety leaders with an opportunity to examine one of the most important issues facing first responders today: mental health and wellness.

Two screenings of the documentary will be offered:

• 9:00 AM Screening
• 1:00 PM Screening

Following each showing, attendees will participate in a facilitated panel discussion examining the impact of cumulative stress, post-traumatic stress injuries, burnout, resilience, and the long-term ramifications of mental health challenges in emergency and prehospital care professions.

You can register to attend this free event at www.tidewaterems.org/qtee

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Distinguished Panel Discussion

Each screening will be followed by a panel featuring respected leaders and advocates from the public safety and healthcare communities.

Panelists will share personal and professional perspectives on recognizing mental health challenges, reducing stigma, building supportive workplace cultures, and strengthening systems that help first responders access care before crises develop.

About PTSD911

Directed by filmmaker Conrad Weaver, PTSD911 is a powerful documentary that explores the hidden psychological toll experienced by firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS professionals, and emergency communications personnel. Through personal stories and expert insights, the film highlights the impact of repeated trauma exposure and the barriers many first responders face when seeking help. The documentary emphasizes that recovery is possible and that meaningful organizational change begins with open conversations about mental health.

The film has been praised throughout the public safety community for helping normalize discussions surrounding post-traumatic stress, depression, burnout, and suicide prevention among first responders. Public safety leaders have described the documentary as an important educational resource that encourages agencies to integrate wellness, peer support, and mental health awareness into everyday operations and training.

Advancing Mental Wellness in EMS

The screenings and panel discussions are designed to encourage dialogue among providers at all levels while highlighting resources and strategies that promote resilience, wellness, and long-term career sustainability within EMS and public safety.

Special Recognition

The Tidewater EMS Council extends its sincere appreciation to Suffolk Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2801 for sponsoring this important event and for their continued commitment to protecting the mental health and well-being of first responders throughout the region.

Event Information

Event: PTSD911 Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion
Date: Saturday, October 24
Location: Virginia Peninsula Community College
Hosted By: Tidewater EMS Council as part of its Two-Day Quarterly Training Event
Sponsored By: Suffolk Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2801

Screening Times:

• 9:00 AM
• 1:00 PM

For additional information regarding the Quarterly Training Event, please contact the Tidewater EMS Council.

Tidewater EMS Council
1104 Madison Plaza, Suite 101
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 963-0632
www.tidewaterems.org

About the Tidewater EMS Council

The Tidewater EMS Council serves the EMS agencies and healthcare partners of Southeastern Virginia by supporting education, regional planning, operational readiness, quality improvement, and initiatives that advance excellence in patient care and responder safety.

Media Advisory Tagline:
"Who takes care of those who answer the call? Join the Tidewater EMS Council and Suffolk Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2801 for a powerful screening of PTSD911 and an important conversation about mental health, resilience, and wellness in emergency and prehospital care."