In addition to a skyrocketing increase in wounded armed service members who face disabling or disfiguring injuries, up to 20% may be affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and another 19% may develop traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition, “moral Injury” leads to family instability, unemployment, homelessness, substance abuse and criminality veteran suicide and is now thought to be a significant driver of suicide. For example, every month, 20 veterans take their life. As crisis calls involving combat veterans continue to increase, it is essential for first responders to become familiar with the issues facing veterans and the symptoms of PTS, TBI and moral injury in order to better assist them during any interaction with a veteran or service member and identify community resources to assist them with in obtaining follow-up behavioral health care.
