One of my wife's nephews took a long time to completely return after his 3rd tour in the sandbox. His mind and soul took a few years to return. In the time, despite is battles with nightmares and flashbacks, he completed his education to to advance from EMT to pass paramedic certification. Being a part of saving lives was the path to completing his journey home and making peace with his combat history.
He served on Boston EMS and now serves in Florida.