Category: General Social Work, Social Work Category: General Social Work, Social Work (show less) Other: Virginia Other: Virginia (show less)

This presentation involves the culture of first responders, myths and beliefs of behavioral health and the mentality of being a first responder. An emphasis of the workshop is placed on the education of basic terminology, understanding emotional and physical stressors, addictions, and suicide information.

Objectives:

1. To introduce attendees to the emergency world culture. (To gain a better understanding as to how and why we act and do the things we do)
2. To introduce attendees to the various emotional stressors that affects the lives of the firefighter/EMS, police, dispatch and their families. (To understand how the fire and EMS culture has brainwashed us into the way we act and how it effects our personal lives)
3. To introduce the do’s and don’ts when working with first responders on a professional basis. (To gain insight on how to talk, and understand our emotions and beliefs on counseling)
4. Discussion of suicide, addictions, PTSD, depression, retirement, anxiety, and relationships within the first responder world.