Most Virginia Beach residents know how skilled and dedicated Virginia Beach EMS providers are. They respond to emergencies, save lives and show up for people on their worst days. But the job also comes with intense physical, emotional and mental strain. Over time, repeated exposure to trauma and chronic stress can take a real toll.
First Responder Wellness Week (March 23-27) is a reminder that caring for EMS providers’ mental health is essential not only for their wellbeing, but also so that responders can be at their best to serve our community day in and day out.
Meet VBEMS’ Public Safety Clinical Coordinator
To strengthen support for its providers, Virginia Beach EMS has welcomed Dr. Diana Agnetti, a licensed professional counselor who brings 25 years of experience working with children, adults, military communities and first responders. Her background includes hospital settings, outpatient mental health, substance misuse treatment, corrections, schools and trauma‑informed leadership development.
Her role as public safety clinical coordinator is simple at its core: to ensure EMS providers feel safe, supported and never alone in the stress that comes with their work.
“Supporting the wellness of our EMS professionals is essential to ensuring they can continue serving Virginia Beach with strength, resilience and compassion,” Agnetti said.
A Comprehensive Approach to Wellness
Under the leadership of EMS Chief Jason Stroud, Virginia Beach EMS is modeling what proactive mental health care can look like. The department’s health and wellness program supports the physical, emotional and psychological needs of EMS providers through respite spaces, a state-accredited peer support team, therapy dogs, crisis resources and easy access to embedded mental health support.
Why Mental Health Support Matters
EMS professionals face pressures of chronic stress, trauma exposure, irregular sleep and high-risk decision-making. Nearly 70% report not having enough time to recover between traumatic events. Rates of stress, insomnia, depression, PTSD and suicidal thoughts are much higher among first responders.
Breaking Stigma and Building Trust
Many first responders hesitate to reach out due to thoughts such as: “People will think differently of me,” “What if I lose my job?” or “I’m supposed to be the strong one.” Individualized support and trusted relationships are key to overcoming those barriers.
“Individualized support is paramount when supporting providers,” Agnetti said. “We cannot assume that ‘one size fits all,’ especially in an environment where stigma can delay treatment.”
Supporting the mental health and wellness of EMS providers isn’t just a workplace issue — it’s a community responsibility.
EMS is an award-winning third-service agency that answers more than 57,000 calls for service annually. Through VB Rescue, EMS uses a combined career-volunteer workforce. Learn more about EMS by visiting ems.virginiabeach.gov. You can also contact Virginia Beach EMS at vbems@vbgov.com.