Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio is urging Governor Cuomo to implement a non-invasive PTSD treatment called Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) to treat medical workers and front-line first responders who suffer from PTSD as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York.

What You Need To Know

  • COVID-19 first responders are battling PTSD in large numbers

  • Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) is a non-invasive PTSD treatment used by veterans returning from combat

  • Assemblyman Joseph Giglio is urging the governor to allow RTM to be used on COVID-19 first responders

“The response by our medical professionals, EMS providers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York has been heroic,” said Giglio. “But the bravery and resolve of our front-line responders has had a terrible cost.”

Giglio notes that, at the height of the pandemic in New York City, EMT John Mondello killed himself after fewer than three months on the job. Just a few days later, emergency room physician Lorna Breen also committed suicide.

“The stresses placed on these professionals are great enough during normal times. As we all know, responding to the COVID pandemic has been anything but normal, especially for the people who have been the closest to victims,” Giglio stated in a press release. “They deserve every resource we have to help them cope and heal the mental wounds that they’ve acquired during these especially trying times.”

Major Mike Suter, a Veterans Services consultant with the American Legion Department of New York, and former combat veteran, received RTM treatment. He says it saved his life.

Suter, who served with the Marines in Beirut, spoke with Susan Arbetter on the Friday edition of Capital Tonight.