The life of a first responder is characterized by demanding and unpredictable circumstances and challenges, personal and work-related. Holidays for first responders often result in an increased work schedule, heightened stress, and intense emotions. As a public safety professional, finding time to spend with your family can be challenging, especially [...]
First responders are true heroes, risking their lives to keep our communities safe. First responders, such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), face unique challenges on the job. The physical and mental strain of first responders' responsibilities can significantly affect them in more ways than one. First [...]
Entering rehab can be uncomfortable and often humiliating for someone struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction. First responders often wrestle with the idea of treatment and admitting themselves due to their occupation. The stigma surrounding rehab and first responders is one of the main reasons public health workers fail [...]
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) also emphasizes the role of behavior in maintaining positive, healthy patterns. Our emotions influence our thoughts, just as our thoughts influence our behaviors—and vice versa. Through CBT, patients learn to identify and change the maladaptive behaviors contributing to their negative patterns. This is especially helpful for [...]
When you have a job as taxing as a first responder, it can be common to experience burnout. Dealing with the emotional distress associated with the responsibility of a firefighter, law enforcement officer, or emergency medical technician (EMT) is not always easy. Many first responders don't allow themselves enough time [...]
Survivor's guilt is a psychological condition developed when someone survives a traumatic event that someone else didn't. The emotions associated with survivor's guilt are often distressing and filled with remorse. Surviving a tragic event is typically something you'd be happy about, but it's hard to feel thankful that you're alive [...]
First responders, like soldiers exposed to combat, may be exposed to many traumatic experiences. They are present at all natural disasters in our country and other crises, suffering high rates of burnout because of the intensity of their jobs. Treating domestic violence, shootings, and overdoses from addiction, such as opioids, [...]
Who Are First Responders? First responders are trained professionals who are the first to arrive at an accident or emergency scene. Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are all considered first responders. First responders' daily responsibilities consist of sacrificing their own lives for the sake of others. [...]
What is PCS Stress? A permanent change of station, also known as PCS, causes stress many military families experience. The uncertainty of when you will move to another city, state, or possibly a different country can be incredibly inconvenient and strenuous for everyone in a military family—especially the spouse. The [...]
The ancient Greek word, Ethos, translates to “spirit” or “character” in English. Warrior Ethos is the set of principles among first responders that is the embodiment of their courageous spirit and commitment to their country. It is the representation of the person they are committing to be and the position [...]
