Life Fire Layout

When Plans Become Reality - UNC Charlotte Active Shooter

In this episode, I speak to the Director of Emergency Management at UNC Charlotte about a wide variety of topics including one of the most important: planning.  Chris dives into what it is like being the Emergency Managment Director at a large higher education establishment on the east coast and some of the challenges there in.  We talk about the benefits of collaboration between entities both on and off campus and how they were tested during one of the most tragic events to ever occur on their campus: an active shooter with confirmed victims.  Thank you to Chris and the UNC Charlotte team for all their continued efforts towards readiness and ensuring the safety of the campus and the surrounding community.   What the listeners should do "tomorrow": preparedness starts on the individual level. Take responsibility for your personal preparedness (listen to the last 10 min to learn more)  CONTACT:  Chris Gonyar - cgonyar@charlotte.edu

Mental Health and Wellness Mini Series Part IV ft. Nick Carson

In this final episode of the Mental Health and Wellness mini-series, Nick Carson brings a fresh perspective on Peer Support and the critical link between a member in crisis and getting the help they need.  Nick wears many hats but one of the most important ones is his role with Mind the Frontline. We dive into peer support and Nick's position at the non-profit Mind the Frontline whose entire purpose for being is to "support those who selflessly safeguard our communities" "It is not normal or okay to suffer" - We also talk about a culture of good mental health and how the results benefit both the member and the Department/agency they are a part of.  Imporant Links:  https://mindthefrontline.org/ - Mind the Frontline Website  1-866-MIND247 (866-646-3247‬) - Mind Shield Warm Line  Contact Nick:  ncarson@mindthefrontline.org Find Nick on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/nickcarson1623 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcarson1623]  https://www.jems.com/author/nick-carsonclarionevents-com/ - Nick's JEMS Article

Mental Health and Wellness Mini Series Part III ft. Beth Jacobs

Beth Jacobs is a licenced clinical mental health counselor and has been for the past eight years. She is also a law enforcement spouse of 24 years and a mom of three.  Beth and host Prescott Nadeau dive into the clinician portion of mental health and wellness with a focus on EMDR therapy and its restorative effects for emergency service providers. We also hit on trust and the critical nature of developing a relationship as an individual or Department with a clinician.  "It became apparent this was going to be a lot about death" - Beth, reflecting upon early recognition about being the spouse of a police officer and how that ultimately led to a much greater understanding of emergency services and how to connect with such a unique group of people.  How to reach Beth: bethjaco210@gmail.com [https://gmail.com]  Finding the right clinician  chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Finding-the-Right-Clinician-2020.pdf Clinician Webinars  https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/community-education/

Mental Health and Wellness Mini Series - Part II ft. Ofc Macaig

For part II in our multi part mini series on responder mental health and wellness, host Prescott Nadeau interviews Williston Police Officer Dan Macaig.  Dan has been a firefighter, EMT and police officer in a wide range of areas including on call, career, volunteer, busy houses, slow houses... the whole gammut.  We talk about a range of topics including: * Mental health and responder wellness conversations during entry level recruit academies  * The journey of a responder as his cup slowly fills up and what happens when it overflows  * Breaking the stigma of the "salty old school responder" and "suck it up"  * Acute stress reactions and how to seek help  * The drastic effect a listening ear can have on someone in need of help  * An example of the wrong clinician (followed by finding the right one)  * A discussion about EMDR and the tangible benefit to responders  What do you want the listeners to do tomorrow? - Treat others like you want to be treated  Want to reach out to Dan? daniel.c.macaig@gmail.com [https://gmail.com]  Want to reach Prescott? (802) 999-5944 or prescott.nadeau@thereadinesslab.com  Resources:  * Mind the Frontline [https://mindthefrontline.org/resources] * IAFF Center for Excellence [https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/] * Suicide and Crisis Lifeline [https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox] * PFFV Peer Support Hotline- 1-833-802-7337

Mental Health and Wellness Mini Series - Part I ft. Lt Simanskas

Host Prescott Nadeau speaks with Lt. Anthony Simanskas about his experience dealing with one of the most horrific emergency scenes that has occured Statewide back in 2018. They discuss how a call like that has potential to flatten even the most seasoned responder and how to prevent it from doing just that.  Discussion points include:  * How minimal staffing can effecet mental health * The trauma created by pediatric patients * Identifying stress reaction symptoms  * What recovery looks like following a critial incident * Finding the right clinician  What should the listeners do "tomorrow": * Finding the right support network  * Feel like you can be vulnerable * Find a hobby / something you enjoy doing  * Try something new each day Resources:  * Mind the Frontline [https://mindthefrontline.org/resources] * IAFF Center for Excellence [https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/] * Suicide and Crisis Lifeline [https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox] * PFFV Peer Support Hotline- 1-833-802-7337