Why So Many First Responders Are Taking Sick Leave

For decades, first responders were taught that never calling in sick was a badge of honour. No days off. No complaints. Just “push through.”

In this conversation, Randall Arsenault, known aka ‪@OfficerArsenault‬ sits down with former firefighter Dave Connor to talk honestly about why that mindset is changing - and why it needs to change.

They discuss:
-Why police, firefighters, and paramedics are finally using sick leave
-How outdated “attendance culture” puts coworkers and the public at risk
-The hidden impact of sleep deprivation, trauma exposure, and burnout
-Why many experienced first responders choose family over special units
-How trauma-related sick time and compensation/presumptive claims
-Why no one retires wishing they worked more hours

This isn’t about being lazy.
It’s about survival, longevity, and doing the job safely - for 30 years.

If you’re a first responder, a supervisor, or someone thinking about joining emergency services, this is a conversation you need to hear.

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