This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast shines a spotlight on the pioneering role of Corinne Flammer, New Jersey’s first mental health resilience officer in the EMS sector, operating out of St. Claire’s Hospital. The discussion delves into the innovative approach to mental health within the fire/EMS community, emphasizing the importance of building resilience among first responders.
Unlike traditional post-incident stress management techniques, Flammer’s work focuses on preemptive strategies to bolster mental wellness and resilience, aiming to equip firefighters and EMS providers with the tools and knowledge to handle the inherent pressures and challenges of their roles effectively.
During the discussion, host Chris Cebollero and Flammer delve into:
- How to tailor a resiliency program for your agency
- The impact of community for support, such as on-the-go meal plans and fitness discounts with local retailers
- The role of leadership in showcasing resiliency for their members
Memorable quotes
- “Resilience is the ability to bounce back from a time of difficulty or a challenge and come through it strong, returning to a state of function that we were at before the incident.”
- “Sometimes the biggest support you’re going to get in a shift is in the front seat of that vehicle with your partner next to you … being a peer support person actually gives you peer support at the same time, which is great.”
- “It’s not going to be a one-size-fits-all program, obviously, for every department. It’s not even going to be a one-size-fits-all program for every provider. It’s more than just morale. It’s giving them the tools they need to help them manage their lives better and help them manage their stress better, everything from box breathing to going for a walk.”
About the sponsor
This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.
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