First Responders and Trauma
Police, firefighters and emergency responders…..keep……going. When an officer is involved in an event like a shooting, this creates a negative emotion. The officer does not take time off nor is it mandated by most departments. They continue to work their regularly scheduled shifts. When inquiring if there is a procedure in place following an “incident”, the response is always “No, why?”. In the event involving a shooting, the officer is looking at facing a long administrative investigation, possible criminal investigation, as well as civil liability that can cause extended stress for well over a year. During this time, the officer is told not to talk about the incident creating isolation, they receive minimal support from the organization, and most importantly little to no resources are provided to recover from the traumatic event. These officers continue to put on the uniform to serve and protect the community. Firefighters and paramedics aren’t much different. Can you imagine pulling someone out of a horrific car accident, the person dying in your arms and then having to go on another call right after? Me either. After working with over 1000 first responders with all types of traumas; I can easily say they are impressive individuals. Showing up every single day to a job they receive limited appreciation for, having to live with these negative emotions (they are human and feel things after these events, and are unable to share their feelings, thoughts, or how it has impacted their professional or personal lives is heartbreaking). These individuals carry a bag that is heavier than most can imagine. First responders are traumatized and then they put that uniform on for the next 30-40 years. This is a career. These individuals suffer with complex trauma, as these individuals are exposed repeatedly to the elements of horrible situations that affect them negatively, then are expected to go out and do it again with limited support or assistance getting it right every time. First responders are the only profession that require body cameras 24-7. Could you imagine if this was requested of public officials or medical personnel? The stigma is real. The isolation is real. The lack of consideration to mental health for first responders is alarming. If you need a help, Libertyove can connect you to an authentic, trained practitioner, those who put on a uniform, that can disconnect those emotions from the event that cause significant disruption in their lives, and if needed, be connected to resources to work on relationships, substance issues, PTSD or personality challenges that affect their daily lives. Negative emotions are recorded between the ages of four to seven. After those ages, those negative emotions are replayed. When negative emotions are presented due to an event, those emotions stack on top of one another, causing significant disruption in a person’s life. There is a solution and Libertyove has it. If you are a first responder and struggling with anything mentioned in this article, please reach out to scott.hendrick@libertyove.com, we can help!
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Kindly, Dr. J Royster, LMHC, LPC, BC-TMH EMDR, ART, TRIP, CCPT I and II, CST, TMHP, CCTS-I, CEFT, C-FTPTC, C-LC, RRTP, TRPP, EMPP. DBTP, CBTP, HTP, REBTP 757-818-0499 cell/office CEO Semper Motis LLC Clinical Director Libertyove
