In this episode of Wellness Insights with Dr. Chalmers, firefighter and paramedic Matt Vemea talks about his experience with PTSD after nearly 20 years in emergency services. He shares how the stress and trauma of the job slowly built up over time, affecting his sleep, his relationships, and his ability to enjoy everyday life. Traditional treatments helped a little, but nothing really worked until he tried ketamine therapy.

Matt and Dr. Chalmers have an honest conversation about what the treatment was like, how it helped, and why it might be a good option for others dealing with similar struggles. It’s a down-to-earth look at a tough topic, and a reminder that there are new ways to find relief and get your life back.

If you're curious about real solutions for PTSD or just want to hear a genuine story of healing, this episode is worth a watch.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:00 – Introduction and Matt's Background

03:21 – PTSD in First Responders

06:31 – What PTSD Looked Like in His Life

09:43 – Hypervigilance Explained

13:16 – Life Collapsing Despite Time Off

16:36 – Diagnosis and Seeking Help

20:11 – Ketamine Treatment: A Breakthrough

23:31 – Big Changes: Anger, Sleep, Family Life

26:11 – Real-Life Markers of Change

30:01 – Comparison: Ketamine vs. SGB Shot

34:31 – Broader Impact and the Charity Effort

38:51 – Encouraging Others to Seek Help

42:11 – Closing: Hope, Support, and Next Steps