A Duty To Act Jennifer Darling, Josh Darling

In this conversation, Jennifer interviews Benjamin Vernon, a captain with the San Diego Fire Department, about his experience with administrative betrayal. Benjamin shares the story of a traumatic incident in 2015 where he and his partner were attacked by a bystander while responding to a medical call. They discuss the concept of arriving in the middle of a call and the importance of being aware of the dynamics and tensions already present. Benjamin reflects on the impact of compassion fatigue and the need for first responders to reconnect with their purpose and maintain a compassionate mindset. They also touch on the importance of having a clear and universal code for calling for help in emergency situations. In this part of the conversation, Benjamin Vernon discusses the importance of mental health and seeking professional help. He shares his personal journey of seeking therapy and the positive impact it had on his recovery. He also highlights the need for departments to prioritize mental health and create robust mental health programs. Benjamin emphasizes the importance of sleep in maintaining overall health and wellness, and the challenges faced by shift workers in getting adequate sleep. He also discusses the impact of the incident on his department and the steps they took to improve mental health support. The conversation touches on the limitations of informal peer support and the need for professional help in certain situations. In this conversation, Benjamin Vernon discusses the aftermath of the stabbing incident and the impact it had on him and his crew. He talks about the silence and lack of communication within the crew, as they were all focused on the stabbing incident. Benjamin also shares his concern for his captain and his crew members who did not seek mental health help. He highlights the importance of mental health support and the stigma that still exists within the fire department. Benjamin discusses the concept of administrative betrayal and how it can contribute to the decline of mental health. He emphasizes the need for more education and training on mental health at every rank in the department.

Summary
Mike Wisler, a captain at the Everett Fire Department, discusses his transition from counseling to the fire service, the importance of mental and physical health in the first responder service, and his innovative protocols for post-shift recovery. He emphasizes the impact of relationships and the need for a holistic approach to well-being. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to wellness, recovery, and community building within first responder departments. It explores the importance of solitude, restorative activities, and the creation of a wellness center. The discussion also delves into the physiological and mental benefits of activities like sauna, cold plunges, and cycling, as well as the impact of community involvement on overall well-being.

In this episode of "A Duty to Act," hosts Jennifer and Josh reflect on the impact of their previous episodes, including discussions on cancer in the fire service and secondary traumatic stress. They discuss their goals for the next 25 episodes, which include exploring topics such as lifeguards, smoke jumpers, and tribal EMS. They also delve into the importance of data-driven decision-making and building a culture of data in public safety organizations. Join them on this journey of discovery and insight into the world of emergency services.

In this episode Jennifer talks with her colleague Dan Schwartz about his time as a leader in the fire service and the concept of servant leadership.

Join me, Jennifer Darling, as I sit down with the brave representatives of IAFF Local Number 4 from Des Moines, Iowa—Jason, Aaron, and Joe—to shed light on a topic that hits close to home for every firefighter: the fight against cancer and the battle for comprehensive coverage. Listen in as we explore the critical need to have cancer recognized as a job-related illness, the heartrending personal stories of those affected, and the pressing goal to extend presumptive coverage to all types of cancer for firefighters. Their poignant insights reveal the hard truths about the physical and financial toll this disease takes on those who serve our communities and the current legislative hurdles they face.

In this heartfelt conversation, we honor the memories of fallen firefighters Mike Broderick and Brian Stokes, who left an indelible mark on their community through their dedication and mentorship. You'll hear the moving accounts of their lives, the struggle their families endured, and the continued support they offer to the firefighting community. As we reflect on the legacy left behind by these exceptional individuals, we also delve into the powerful grassroots efforts underway, including impactful video campaigns and social media strategies, which aim to unite firefighters and supporters in a shared mission for change.

Tune in to understand the complex layers of advocacy and the challenges that come with driving legislative change, as seen through the lens of those on the front lines. Our guests open up about the emotional toll of setbacks and the resilience needed to push forward. The episode concludes with a message of unity and action, underscoring the significance of personal engagement in the fire service and the potential for future progress. Discover how these courageous firefighters leverage their collective voices to keep the momentum going, making strides toward better protection and support for those who risk everything to keep us safe.

Pat Ellis, the chaplain for Puget Sound Fire, discusses the topic of secondary traumatic stress. He explains that secondary traumatic stress is the chronic exposure to other people's traumatic experiences and how it impacts the responder's mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Pat also differentiates secondary traumatic stress from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and compassion fatigue. He introduces the concept of vicarious trauma, which is a shift in worldview due to prolonged exposure to trauma. Pat mentions the emerging term of moral injury and its relevance to first responders' mental health. This conversation explores the variability of impact and cumulative effect of grief in the context of traumatic events. It highlights the different reactions individuals may have to these events and the signs of secondary stress to look out for. The importance of supporting others and promoting self-care is emphasized, along with the need to seek help when necessary. The conversation also discusses the importance of preparing for emotional impact and developing daily self-care practices. Finally, it emphasizes the power of positive self-affirmations and choosing positivity and hope in the face of challenging situations.