Name
Resiliency Is the Way
Description

Have we done a good job of developing resilient firefighters? Have we given them the tools to succeed over 30 years in a profession where we respond to the worst day of someone's life? Unfortunately, the research on mental health and suicide rates of emergency responders indicates that we have an issue that must be addressed. Therefore, during this class we will focus on why post-traumatic stress, acute stress disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder affect emergency responders all over the world and how we as leaders can provide resiliency training to combat this. Quite often emergency responders do not understand why they are feeling a certain way mentally and physically from the trauma witnessed on emergency scenes. This creates many challenges both personally and professionally. Unfortunately, responders may not know where to go for help or are afraid to ask for help due to the stigma and the "suck it up" mentality plaguing emergency services. During this workshop, the presenter will discuss the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress, acute stress disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder from clinical research and from his own personal experience. Then we will discuss and practice self-help tools that can be utilized in the firehouse for self support and for peer support. These tools and techniques have been used for more than 100 years to combat stress and require no funding. It only requires a willingness to learn and take the information back to your department to help save those who save others.

David Griffin
Date & Time
Friday, September 29, 2023, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM