We applaud the Trib and its excellent coverage of Act 121, the PTSD law for first responders, including Patrick Varine’s article “Legislation aims to address post-traumatic stress among first responders” (Dec. 12, TribLive) and the editorial “Post-traumatic stress is a shock to the system for first responders” (Dec. 15, TribLive). We have represented first responders for over 40 years. We have seen firsthand the devastating effects PTSD can have on first responder clients.
Up to now, it has been very difficult to obtain workers’ compensation benefits for them. We had to prove that there was an “abnormal” event which caused the responder to suffer PTSD. Act 121 recognizes that our first responders face abnormal, horrific events all the time and that they might need help in dealing with the chronic stress brought on by their jobs.
Pennsylvanians should be proud we have taken an important step in providing financial protection for our police, EMTs, firefighters and other first responders. We encourage any first responder who is struggling with PTSD to seek treatment and be aware they might be entitled to benefits under the Workers Compensation Act.
Vincent J. Quatrini
Greensburg
The writer is an attorney with the Quatrini Law Group.