Nov 24, 2021
Depression and PTSD are up to 5 times more common in first
responders. In fact, Americans in public service are more likely to
die by suicide than in the line of duty. The reality facing our
country’s first responders is at a critical point. We need to
create greater awareness and understanding of the emotional toll
our nation’s first responders experience through their day-to-day
lives and the long-term impact on their well-being, according to
Kevin M. Lynch, CEO, and President of The Quell Foundation. We are
fortunate enough to have Kevin on our show today. Learn more
here.
1:52 First responders being exhausted
2:10 Why are you focusing on first responders?
3:16 Stress or fear playing a role for first responders?
4:19 Do first responders have a higher chance of abusing
substances or alcohol?
4:55 Let’s discuss how stress affects our minds and bodies
- Stress management and mental health
- Long-term effects of stress can include: diabetes, heart
disease, decreased libido, stroke, high blood pressure.
- Long-term effects of stress can include: diabetes, heart
disease, decreased libido, stroke, high blood pressure.
- Most police officers are not required to receive stress
management training prior to entering into the workforce
- “Stressful law enforcement duties are associated with a risk of
sudden cardiac death (3)”
- What does stress do to the brain?
- Effects of stress on the mind can include: migraines,
depression, mood changes, withdrawn, impulsive behaviors, ect
- Trauma
- “Experiencing trauma can keep your brain in a hyperactive
state, suppressing your memory and impulse control. Trapping you in
a constant state of strong emotional reactivity (4)”
6:35 According to your research does gender play a role in
stress management?
8:01 To the doctors: How is the stress first responders face
affecting their physical health? What are you seeing in the
field?
10:33 Is there a generational divide?
11:33 Is this something you can be proactive about?
13:01 Statistics
- “The #1 Killer of police officers is suicide (1)
- “Depression and PTSD are up to 5 times more common in first
responders. (2)”
- “85% of first responders have experienced symptoms related to
mental health conditions. (2)”
- “Police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by
suicide than in the line of duty. (2)”
14:17 Knowing these statistics, why aren't there more resources
for first responders?
15:03 Quell
Foundation- Can you give us a program overview?
- First responders teaching first responders
- Importance of learning from trusted peers
- We are working with 2 retired first responders, and 1 active
first responder to help create and administer our program.
- “Police officers reported that they would be more open to
talking about mental health if their peers or organization
directors started the conversation (5)”
- Providing tools to combat everyday stresses
- How we can help prepare first responders prior to experiencing
a traumatic event
- Critical Incident Stress Management. Have a plan laid out that
will be available if/when a traumatic incident occurs
- Providing daily self-help practices that are easily accessible
- Mindfulness practices
- Sleeping guides
- Most people who experience PTSD have trouble with sleep
schedules
- Counseling resources
- Yoga for first responders
- General structure of your project
- Introductory course
- Kickstarter program to include
- Mission Statement
- Screening of documentary followed by discussion
- General information that will be useful for all first
responders
- Mini crash courses
- Follow up mini courses to focus on specific topics
- Module Topic examples:
- Peer Support
- Resiliency
- Stress management
- Life after work: retirement
References
https://bluehelp.org/resources/statistics/ (1)
https://business.kaiserpermanente.org/insights/mental-health-workplace/first-responder-support
(2)
https://cdn1.sph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/575/2017/07/Sudden-Cardiac-Death-and-Police-Officers.pdf
(3)
https://www.wholewellnesstherapy.com/post/trauma-and-the-brain
(4)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7559930/ (5)
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