CU Anschutz mental health expert who has treated victims, volunteers and first responders following natural disasters Ian Stanley says it’s important to know the signs. With thousands of Colorado first responders and volunteers heading across the country to lend a hand. “First responders’ instinct is going to be to help other people. It’s in their training, it’s in their character, and it’s really important they take stock of their own stress levels and mental health and lean on each other for support,” Stanley said.