LOUISVILLE, Ky.-- There's a push  in Kentucky for more workers comp rights for first responders to battle the unseen injuries they can get, as a result of the work they do. A bill has been filed in the state legislature, to expand coverage for treatment for things like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) that's developed from a career serving as a firefighter, police officer, or EMT, over years.

• Bill filed in Kentcky's legislature would expand workers comp rights for first responders.
• Currently, first responders are covered for physical injuries and a mental injury that's brought on by a specific incident on the job. 
• Legislation aims to add coverage for firefighters, police, and EMS, for cumulative stress over the course of a career that brings on mental, unseen injuries.

Currently in Kentucky, there is coverage for treatment under workers comp for first responders who are injured physically and mentally, if that mental trauma is caused directly by a particular incident on the job. However, there's a renewed push for coverage under workers comp for mental injuries that are caused by cumulative stress or trauma brought on over the span of a career. 

Brian O'Neill is a firefighter in Louisville, pushing for this bill to pass. He feels it's important to his fellow firefighters, especially when many are hesitant to admit they need help. 

"People don't call us when they're having a good day," O'Neill explains. "When we see this though you know, often times you're dealing with a lot people that are badly injured, dead, or dying."

O'Neill is one who wants the government to take ownership of mental scars, like post-traumatic stress, that first responders can develop from the job.

"When somebody calls 911, they don't expect just a couple of knuckleheads in a pickup truck to come out there and help them out. They want brain surgeon, olympic athletes, to be there in moments to handle whatever it is bothering them, and to take care and fix it no matter what it is," O'Neill says. 

Rep. Joni Jenkins (D- Jefferson) filed the bill to expand workers comp coverage in Kentucky.

"It recognizes that first responders have so many incidents that can be very traumatice for them. Police officers, firefighters, EMS... and this recognizes that those mental issues can affect their work lives and as their physical life as well," Jenkins says. 

O'Neill thinks this could cause the heroes he works with, to more openly admit they need help when they do, and get it.