STATEHOUSE (Feb. 5, 2025) – The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) bill to protect first responders’ confidentiality when debriefing after a traumatic event.
McNamara said many first responders use critical incident services management (CISM) debriefings after a traumatic event so they can manage the stress of the incident and not suffer any long-term mental health issues. Through House Bill 1118, any first responder using a CISM debriefing would not be compelled to disclose any of those conversations in a civil, criminal or administrative proceeding.
“Our firefighters, emergency medical personnel, police officers and other first responders need a way to decompress after facing a traumatic event,” McNamara said. “This bill would protect what they say during these debriefings so they can feel safe using this mental health resource.”
According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, there are more than 40 CISM teams in Indiana, made up of trained peer volunteers who arrive at the scene to help first responders or provide care in the following days.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimated that first responders develop depression, PTSD and other behavioral health conditions more than the general population.
Additionally, in 2017 there were more than 100 firefighter and police officer suicides nationally, which is more than the number of firefighters and police officers who died in the line of duty, according to the Ruderman Family Foundation.
McNamara said this legislation could help address the mental health needs of those who serve our communities, bolstering both public safety and mental wellness.
House Bill 1118 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. To learn more about the bill and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.
