TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service) - Governor Scott is expected to sign a bill into law expanding benefits to firefighters, police officers and EMT's who cannot work due to job-related post-traumatic stress disorder.
The governor said he'd sign the measure which was sent to him this week.
The bill will allow the employees to receive benefits for lost wages under certain circumstances if they suffer from PTSD.
Under current law, first responders may receive benefits for medical treatment of mental or nervous injuries, but they may not receive benefits for lost wages.
"The suicide rate among our first responders is five times the normal population," said Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. "Nine times more have considered suicide. It is a hidden killer in the profession."
The bill also would require cities, counties and other entities that employ first responders to provide educational training related to mental health awareness, prevention, mitigation and treatment.
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events.
