Lets talk dogs, & mental health

There is no mystery why dogs are a best friend. But there is so much more to gain from this relationship. Methodist Healthcare in San Antonio, Texas endeavored in an innovated program that is pawsitively changing the way EMS is supported. Chanel, Fresca, and Lady are three of the first Emergency Services Facility Dogs specially trained by Service Dogs, Inc. to support first responders and hospital staff across South Central Texas. Embarking upon this journey in 2019, these dogs & their handlers provide respite to first responders and hospital staff while on shift, lowering stress, anxiety, and bringing crews back into balance before the next call.

There is more to it than wagging tails and snoot-boops. Chanel, Fresca, and Lady give unconditional permission to talk about mental health and promote resilience and healthy work-life balance tips to those they come in contact with each day. We will discuss the impact of these encounters, what it has meant for local Fire and EMS providers, as well as the impact the team has had when responding to major events that have shaken communities and emotionally drained the health care professionals that responded.