Dutch Members of Parliament Straatman, Mutluer, and Mathlouti are pushing for the creation of an independent, national PTSD desk to ensure all uniformed emergency responders receive equal mental health support. While police and defense personnel have PTSD recognized as an occupational disease, other first responders—including ambulance workers and coast guard personnel—lack the same national recognition and standardized care.
Uniformed responders face unequal PTSD recognition
The current system for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Netherlands varies significantly by profession, employer, and region. The disparity is most evident in legal recognition; while the police and Defense recognize PTSD as a professional illness, no such national arrangement exists for ambulance staff or boa’s.
The proposed national PTSD desk would provide a centralized point of access for all “uniformed” workers to receive appropriate processing and care after traumatic events. This expanded scope would include:
- Ambulance personnel
- Coast guard staff
- Rescue brigade volunteers
- Police and Defense personnel
Firsthand accounts of occupational trauma
The need for standardized aftercare is highlighted by the experiences of responders who have faced high-intensity incidents. Renaldo Ishaak, who works for the Royal Marechaussee, reported developing PTSD after responding to several major events, including the crash of a Turkish Airlines plane at Schiphol in 2009, the Schiphol fire, and the attack in Apeldoorn on Queen’s Day. Ishaak now gives guest lectures to the police, Defense, and the fire department regarding the necessity of adequate help.
Edwin, an ambulance worker, experienced a similar trajectory after a person who was in a cell attacked him while being transported to a ggz-institution. The incident left Edwin with PTSD and caused a prolonged period of absence from work. Although he has returned to his job, he continues to experience anxiety symptoms and advocates for improved aftercare for all uniformed professionals.
Differences in PTSD support by role
| Responder Group | National Recognition as Occupational Disease | Proposed Access to National PTSD Desk |
|---|---|---|
| Police / Defense | Yes | Yes |
| Ambulance / BOA / Coast Guard | No (varies by region/employer) | Yes |
PTSD support for Dutch first responders
Who is eligible for the proposed national PTSD desk?
The desk is intended for all uniformed personnel exposed to traumatic experiences in the line of duty, specifically including ambulance personnel, coast guard personnel, and volunteers at rescue brigades who currently lack the national protections afforded to the police.
Why is the current system considered unfair?
Members of Parliament Straatman, Mutluer, and Mathlouti find it unfair that not all aid workers and people in uniform receive the same treatment when dealing with PTSD.