Death By a Thousand Cuts - One Fire/EMS Agency's Efforts to Build and Support Resilient Providers

Provider mental health and resiliency is an emerging topic in EMS. The role of critical incidents has been extensively studied. As a result, many agencies have systems in place address these events. But, what about the daily drain placed on Providers by the very nature of the job? What are those? And, how can we prepare our personnel to recognize, combat and offset them?

The City of Irving, Texas has implemented a comprehensive program to address just such concerns. The Public Safety Wellness Unit has a multi-faceted approach to resiliency for First Responders. This presentation will outline the steps taken and programs in place geared toward giving First Responders tools to recognize stressors, minimize their impact and know when to ask for help.

Attendees will leave the presentation with a roadmap of how one agency works to address needs at multiple levels. Students will also receive a list of resources and contact information to consider when implementing (or augmenting) their own program.