Indy Standard

The Indiana House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at safeguarding the confidentiality of first responders during debriefings after traumatic events. The legislation, introduced by State Representative Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville), received unanimous support in the House.

Representative McNamara emphasized the importance of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) debriefings for first responders, which include firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and police officers. These sessions are crucial for managing stress and preventing long-term mental health issues. "Our firefighters, emergency medical personnel, police officers and other first responders need a way to decompress after facing a traumatic event," McNamara stated. "This bill would protect what they say during these debriefings so they can feel safe using this mental health resource."

House Bill 1118 aims to ensure that any conversations held during CISM debriefings remain confidential and cannot be disclosed in civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings.

According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, over 40 CISM teams operate within the state. These teams consist of trained peer volunteers who provide support at incident scenes or offer care in subsequent days.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has reported that first responders face higher rates of depression, PTSD, and other behavioral health conditions compared to the general population. In 2017 alone, there were more than 100 suicides among firefighters and police officers nationwide—surpassing those who died in the line of duty—according to data from the Ruderman Family Foundation.

McNamara believes this legislation could play a vital role in addressing mental health needs among those serving communities while enhancing public safety and wellness.

House Bill 1118 will now proceed to the Senate for further deliberation. Additional information about the bill can be found at iga.in.gov.