Our EMS professionals show up on the hardest days of other people’s lives. They also carry what they see, hear, and absorb, often long after the call is over. Recognizing the need to provide EMTs, paramedics, and dispatchers with professional avenues of support, the Massachusetts Ambulance Association (MAA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Rebuilding Recovery Center, expanding access to specialized, confidential services designed specifically for the first responder community.

Kyle Craig, Program Director, Clinician, and Founder, developed Rebuilding’s First Responders program in close consultation with experienced peer support and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) leaders. He began by listening, then built a model that addresses real-world barriers to care, including concerns about confidentiality, workplace stigma, and professional repercussions. Through this partnership, MAA members will have a clear pathway to connect EMS professionals with a program focused on recovery.

Programs like Rebuilding’s are designed to address the factors that contribute to burnout and support long-term workforce stability. According to the most recent AAA Employee Turnover Study, 76% of EMS professionals reported burnout as a critical issue, with one in four ranking it as their single most pressing concern. That burnout is reflected in workforce challenges across the field, including an annual turnover rate of 20–30% among EMTs and paramedics.

Rebuilding’s program is built intentionally around the needs of those who serve. Providing support for issues related to addiction and trauma, the program is structured to protect confidentiality, foster trust, and create an environment where participants can speak openly with peers who understand the work. The space is separate and discreet, and the team is largely composed of first responders and veterans, creating a level of relatability that many participants describe as essential to engagement, progress, and lasting recovery.