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The term hero applies to health care first responders, but their heroic acts are less likely to be recognized.

Health care first responders are at risk for long-term threats of disease and mental health challenges.

Devoted to alleviating suffering, medical responders risk suffering vicariously with those they help.

Recognizing their heroic efforts can enhance recruitment to and support for their life-sustaining profession.

Most often when we hear references to heroes, we think of soldiers, firefighters, or law enforcement. Dictionary entries for “heroism” are typically circular, defining heroism in terms of the qualities of a hero or heroic conduct. The most common synonym for heroism is courage, and a hero is described as a person with special abilities or personal heroic qualities.

In crises that range from immense to limited, among those near the frontline of responders are medical professionals, willing to risk their lives to rescue and save others. Sharing the common attribute of courage with those who are trained to fight and/or overcome physical obstacles and danger, medical first responders are distinguished by their primary goal to preserve life and prepare the ill and injured for healing, recovery, and restoration to health.

So, why are nonmedical responders more often recognized as heroes and medical professionals seemingly overlooked? Perhaps........

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