11/22/2023
Our Fall Newsletter is live!!! This issue we decided to tackle some difficult and sometimes taboo topics, such as provider mental health, substance abuse, burnout and where we go from here. We interviewed providers regionally and have a column piece dedicated to their responses. Here's a small snapshot below:
Q: Do you think there is a higher risk of substance abuse as a coping mechanism in the fire and EMS culture?
A: "Yes, substance abuse is often a result of self-medicating behavior due to under diagnosed mental health issues related to trauma. Our Type A personalities allow us to be helpers but never ask for help. It’s easier to sit at a bar than it is to admit you need help and seek it out. The culture of the fire service and EMS historically embraced alcohol as a healthy way to deal with traumatic calls; “Nothing a few beers won’t fix.” That was the motto and to some extent, it still is...."
To see the entire newsletter, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10fK2SJnsQG4vAaElmoMl288jmaT-A5h6/view?fbclid=IwAR1CBsoT93rib8y7AdOzr_RXrp0K21LHb0IvpRiDmg5NoNuzLG3liqT1ZVg