Trauma for first responders rarely arrives as a single, isolated event. Unlike civilians, who may encounter one or two major crises in a lifetime, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and dispatchers face repeated exposure to emergencies, sometimes multiple times a day. Over time, these experiences don’t just fade away. They stack, accumulating in the nervous system and shaping emotional, physical, and relational wellbeing. This long-term buildup is known as cumulative trauma, and it is one of the most significant, yet most overlooked, mental health challenges first responders face.

Trying to start a family is supposed to be one of life’s most hopeful journeys. But when infertility becomes part of that story, especially for couples in the fire service, it can feel more like an emotional battlefield.