CHATHAM, Ill. (WAND) — Those who arrived first to the scene of the deadly crash that killed four girls at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham are still reeling from the traumatic event.
Assistant Fire Chief Joe Bolletta said that although he has been a firefighter since 1995, the calls never get easier to deal with.
"Nothing can prepare you for what we saw that day. Nothing could prepare anybody for the tragedy that unfolded in front of us," Bolletta said.
Chatham first responders have access to counseling services, insurance benefits, and chaplains through the Fraternal Order of Police. They also have access to Critical Incident Stress Debrief, a form of group therapy that allows first responders to cope with the psychological impact of the traumatic events they respond to on a daily basis.
Bolletta also explained that not only have they seen an outpouring of support after the tragedy, but that many community members stepped up to help at the scene of the crash.
"We saw some of the best of the best of people that stepped up to help — the staff at YNOT, they helped us, they jumped in. They made a difference. We had nurses that were pulling up asking if they could help. Other community members [saying] 'what can I do?'," Bolletta said.
Deputy Chief of Police Scott Tarter said that the conversations around mental health resources for first responders have been changing for the better.
"It used to be a, 'suck it up, rub some dirt on it and get back out there', with a pat on the back. And we know now that that's not enough, and that's just not going to cut it," Tarter explained.Â
To learn how to support first responders as well as families of the victims from Monday's crash click here.
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