Why PulseCheck

A male paramedic sitting on the ground outside an ambulance, holding his head in his hand, looking distressed.

EMS providers face some of the highest rates of stress, trauma, and burnout in healthcare, making access to tailored mental health support critical.

Studies show that nearly 37 percent of EMS professionals meet criteria for PTSD, compared to about 6 percent in the general population, and that more than one third report symptoms of depression.

Suicide risk is also significantly elevated, with EMS workers estimated to be 1.39 times more likely to die by suicide than the general public.

Despite these realities, many providers report stigma, lack of time, and limited access to culturally competent resources as barriers to care.

PulseCheck is needed to bridge this gap by offering private, evidence based tools created by and for EMS professionals, making mental health support both accessible and relevant.

What is PulseCheck

PulseCheck is a wellness app designed specifically for EMS providers, offering evidence-based tools in a format that fits the realities of the job. It creates a supportive space to check in, reflect, and build resilience through practical and easy-to-use features, including:

  • Daily check-ins to track mood and stress

  • Evidence-based assessments like PHQ-9, GAD-7, and K10

  • Guided meditations and trauma-informed yoga for grounding and recovery

  • Secure journaling with values-based prompts

  • Peer connection tools for support and community

  • Shift debrief resources to process difficult calls

Together, these features help EMS providers care for their mental health, strengthen resilience, and stay connected.

An emergency medical technician in a navy uniform with a Star of Life emblem on the chest, standing in front of a vault door and looking at a smartphone.

Privacy and Security

PulseCheck is built with EMS providers’ privacy at the center. We strive for anonymity — you can use the app without providing personal details. The data you enter (such as check-ins or reflections) stays private to you and is never shared.

We collect only the minimum information needed to improve the beta version, such as general app usage and optional feedback. All data is stored securely with encryption in transit, and access is restricted. As a nonprofit, we do not sell or trade your data.

Your trust matters. PulseCheck exists to support providers, not to exploit them.