Our society depends on the lifesaving work of first responders in natural disasters and daily crises. These professionals put their lives on the line, as well as their mental and emotional well-being. Bill will briefly describe his own experience in a near fatal helicopter accident on a wildland fire and what he did to overcome the effects of PTSI (Post Traumatic Stress Injuries). He’ll also discuss the type of critical incidents that can lead to PTSI for first responders, the signs and symptoms, and why first responders don’t usually ask for help. Learn about the First Responder Support Network, the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Critical Incident Stress Management interventions, magical thinking, forgiveness, First Responder Exhaustion Syndrome, EMDR, self-care behaviors and family support strategies. This is extremely important information and useful to us all.
