Percy the “PTSD” Platypus RESPONDS to Crisis: A Mental Health Warrior Guide for First Responders — and Everyone

It started with the wail of a siren outside my house. I thought maybe the neighbor’s barbecue had gone wrong again (the man believes lighter fluid is a food group).

But then came the knock — sharp, steady, official.

I opened the door, and there stood Percy the “PTSD” Platypus. His EMT uniform was still dusted with the grit of the day, his posture sharp like a soldier, but his eyes heavy with something deeper.

“Bruce,” he said flatly, “I need backup. Not the kind with sirens — the kind that helps my crew deal with what we carry home after every shift.”

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The Warrior Solution

I told Percy my story. For twenty years, I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD — from my time as an EMT during high school and college. The weight of it all left me feeling so powerless that I tried to end my life. But in that darkest moment, I discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.

Armed with that truth, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program — a bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge. So you can take control of your emotions, triumph over challenges and build the life you really want.

I led Percy inside. “You came at the right time. I’ve got something for you.”

I handed him a copy of my book, Mental Health Warrior’s RESPOND to Crisis — a first-line guide for everyday heroes to recognize, support and stabilize someone in a mental health crisis.

“It also teaches the SHIELD approach,” I added, “so you can stay grounded and in charge while helping others.”

“Alright,” he said, eyes locked in. “Let me give three examples of how RESPOND helps me help others.”

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Example 1: The Rookie EMT in Shock

Percy leaned forward. “New guy, fresh out of training, sees his first fatal accident. He’s pale, shaking, can’t even unclip his gear. I know that look — it’s the same one I had my first deployment.”

Here’s how RESPOND helps:

• Recognize: See the visible signs — trembling hands, blank stare, inability to act.

• Engage (with compassion): Don’t bark orders. Sit him down. Say, “It’s okay to feel this. Everyone does on their first call.”

• Provide (a safe space): Step him away from the scene. Give him a moment to breathe. Let him know he’s not weak — he’s human.

Our Turn:

I told Percy, “This is how I use RESPOND — by being present, not trying to fix everything.”

When someone is overwhelmed, I slow the moment down. I recognize what I’m seeing and lead with compassion instead of control.

I’m not rescuing them from the situation — I’m helping them feel less alone in it. That’s the Warrior way.

Recognition plus compassion gives people the strength to take their next step.

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Example 2: The Crew Member Who Shuts Down

Percy scratched his bill. “Next: my partner, tough as nails, but after a string of pediatric calls, she goes quiet. No jokes, no small talk, just staring at her boots between runs.”

That silence? It screams.

• Recognize: Notice the behavioral shift. The silence is new.

• Engage (with compassion): Say, “I’ve noticed you’ve been quieter lately. Just want you to know I’m here if you need to unload.”

• Provide (a safe space): Maybe it’s the station kitchen over coffee. Maybe it’s a referral to a peer support group. The key: a place where speaking up doesn’t feel like weakness.

Our Turn:

I leaned in. “This is something I watch for all the time.”

When someone goes quiet, I don’t ignore it or push them to talk. I acknowledge the change and let them know they’re not alone — without pressure.

Sometimes all it takes is one compassionate check-in to reopen the door.

Percy smirked. “So… sometimes the silence is louder than the sirens?” “Exactly.” 

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Example 3: The Veteran Responder Meltdown

Percy sighed. “Last one. We’ve got a seasoned EMT, twenty years in. One night, a call hits too close to home — maybe reminds him of his own kid. He loses it: yelling, pacing, slamming gear. The crew doesn’t know whether to back away or call HR.”

Here’s where RESPOND shines brightest:

• Recognize: This isn’t “bad attitude.” It’s accumulated trauma boiling over.

• Engage (with compassion): Stay calm. Say, “I can see this hit hard. You don’t have to carry it alone.”
  

• Provide (a safe space): Take him out of the chaos — even if it’s just a walk around the block. Create room for him to breathe and feel safe enough to reset.

Our Turn:

I told Percy, “In moments like that, I don’t try to fix the trauma.”

I anchor the person. I help them step out of the chaos long enough to breathe, feel safe and regain control.

That pause matters. It’s often the difference between escalation and recovery.

Percy exhaled slowly. “That’s the kind of leadership we need,” he said. “Not medals. Not macho speeches. Just Warriors who RESPOND.”

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Wrap Up

I handed Percy a copy of Mental Health Warrior’s RESPOND to Crisis. He held it for a moment, then squared his shoulders and tucked the book under his arm — like a tool he actually wanted to carry.

“Bruce,” he said, “I’ve got tactical manuals stacked in my garage. But this? This is the one I’ll keep in my jump bag. Because out there, the hardest battles aren’t blood or fire — they’re what happens after.”

And with that, Percy the Platypus — soldier, EMT, Warrior — strode back toward the sirens.

As for me, I smiled. Because if the RESPOND method can guide a platoon of Warriors through the fire of frontline trauma, it can guide any of us — friends, coworkers, neighbors — through the everyday crises that shake us all.

So if you see someone struggling, remember this:

• You don’t need to be perfect.

• You don’t need the right words.

• You just need the courage to RESPOND.

Because whether you’re riding in an ambulance with Percy, or simply showing up for a hurting friend — everyday heroes are made in moments like these!

Bruce Schutter

Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!