In this episode, we are incredibly honored to welcome Anthony “Gonzo” Gonzalez who is the Coral Springs–Parkland Fire Department Battalion Chief assigned to the Training Division as well as a producer for the Gettin Salty Experience Podcast. Throughout his extensive and distinguished career, Gonzo has been at the forefront of some of the most challenging situations faced by first responders, including the harrowing Parkland shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. While we’re not here to relive the events of the day of the Parkland shooting, we’ve invited Gonzo to share his insights into what first responder agencies, and indeed all of us, need to be ready for in the face of such devastating circumstances. Gonzo’s expertise will guide us through the critical discussions on readiness, response, and resilience that can help shape a path forward from trauma to healing.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
In today’s episode, we have the honor of welcoming Crystal Little who is an EMS Captain with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. In addition, Crystal is a certified Health and Wellness Coach, a yoga teacher, a somatic breath work facilitator, and a Morozko cold-water guide. You can find more information about Crystal and her offerings a www.alittlereset.com.
During this episode, Crystal is eager to share her enthusiasm for breathwork and the many ways it can improve our lives. She’ll break down the basics of somatic release breathwork, showing us how it can help heal our emotions and bodies. Plus, Crystal will introduce us to some great additional practices, such as float tanks, cold plunges, and heat bathing. She’ll explain in simple terms how these activities, along with breathwork, can help frontline workers and anyone looking to enhance their overall health and happiness.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
In this engaging episode, we’re honored to feature Michael Sugrue, a retired Police Sergeant whose story of valor and vulnerability is a profound emblem of hope for first responders. Michael delves into the intense realities beyond the chaos of flashing lights, sharing the pivotal experiences of a harrowing December night in 2012. His battle with PTSD and the unseen scars of service cast a light on the personal costs of public duty. Co-authoring “Relentless Courage” with Dr. Shauna Springer, a leading psychologist in trauma recovery, Michael offers an unflinching look at overcoming adversity. Their combined efforts present a narrative that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant, charting a course for resilience that many will find instructive.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
In this episode, you’ll get to know the hosts of the Minds of the Frontline Podcast, as they share personal insights from their journey as first responders and discuss the catalyst for creating this podcast. Geoff Lassers is a professional Firefighter, Paramedic, educator, and content creator. Mike Mattern is also a professional Firefighter and Paramedic, as well as the Chair of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union Behavioral Health Committee, and a Board Member of the Michigan Crisis Response Association.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member, experiencing any crisis – work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or go to FST5.org for more information.
In today’s episode, we welcome Bryan Blattert, LMSW. His transition from a committed firefighter and paramedic to a clinical therapist is as inspiring as it is remarkable. Bryan’s early career at the Grand Rapids Fire Department was met with an unforeseen challenge after suffering a grave accident in 2010 while preparing for a dirt bike race. Unfortunately, the accident ended Bryan’s career as a first responder and inflicted a spinal injury that forever altered the course of his life. Undeterred by his circumstances, Bryan embraced a new path, focusing on his abilities and the support of his community to adapt and thrive.
Specializing in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, Bryan uses this innovative, evidence-based method to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy is unique, as it doesn’t rely on talk therapy or medications. Instead, it’s an interactive psychotherapy technique that uses a patient’s own rapid, rhythmic eye movements. These movements dampen the power of emotionally charged memories of past traumatic events. As we dive deeper into today’s discussion, Bryan will share his experiences and his insights into EMDR, shedding light on its process, whom it can help, and why it’s considered a significant breakthrough in the field of psychological treatment.
Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline five workers and their families. This includes all professional, part-time, and volunteer firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, corrections officers, and 911 dispatchers in Michigan and their immediate family members.
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Melissa O’Keefe (PsyD, LMFT), a dedicated clinician at the UFLAC Center for Health and Wellness. Dr. O’Keefe will share the center’s mission and delve into the effectiveness of various support services offered. We will also tackle the critical question of what barriers hinder frontline workers from seeking mental and behavioral health support and explore potential solutions.
The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) Center for Health and Wellness is committed to the health and welfare of Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) personnel and their families, providing round-the-clock access to mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and family therapists at no charge. The Center also offers a robust Peer Support Program, featuring about 115 well-prepared peers, guaranteeing that no LAFD member or their family must handle life’s hurdles in isolation.
During this episode, we exchange insights on effective mental and behavioral health support strategies. This was a great opportunity to compare notes on what’s been successful and what could be improved. Observing the parallels between the UFLAC Center’s mission and the goals of the FST5 Program was enlightening, highlighting the universal need for robust support systems for those on the front lines of service.
In this episode, we welcome Larry Gambotto and Joe Warne. Larry and Joe are here to discuss cancer in the frontline community, the mental and emotional impact of the disease, and various services, networks, and resources that are available to frontline workers and their families.
Larry is the Training and Safety Captain for the Rochester Hills Fire Department, a co-chair of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union Safety and Health Committee, and a cancer survivor. In addition, Larry is the State Director of Michigan for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN). The FCSN helps firefighters, EMS professionals, and their families cope with cancer. It is their goal to provide occupational cancer awareness, prevention training, and support for those dealing with cancer nationwide. Visit firefightercancersupport.org to join the fight today to educate, support, and make a difference.
Joe Warne is a firefighter and EMT at the Macomb Township Fire Department. In addition, Joe is the President of Neighbors United which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting firefighters battling cancer. The organization’s main initiative is the #walkfortheRED annual fundraiser which is a 140-mile walk in full bunker gear that begins in Macomb Township, Michigan, and ends in Cascade, Michigan. Since its inception in 2019, Neighbors United has helped nearly 150 firefighting families affected by cancer, donating over $500,000. The group aims to raise funds to provide significant financial support to each firefighter and their family. Neighbors United emphasizes the higher cancer risk in firefighters due to exposure to carcinogens and strives to support those in the firefighting community who are affected by this disease. Visit walkforthered.org for more information and to donate!
Course Description: This 3-day course combines ALL of the content of ICISF’s Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention courses. Crisis Intervention is NOT psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis intervention is sometimes called “emotional first aid”. Designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum, this course will prepare participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services for both the individual and for groups. Fundamentals of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) will be outlined, and participants will leave with the knowledge and tools to provide several group crisis interventions, specifically demobilizations, defusing and the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The need for appropriate follow-up services and referrals, when necessary, will also be discussed.
Course Dates
Who: Michigan First Responders in the fields of Police, Fire, EMS, 911 Dispatch, Corrections as well as Mental Health Professionals. When: April 12th , 19th & 26th, 2024, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Where: Zoom Live Online Cost: Free How to join: Click the Register button below
Program Highlights: • Psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention • Resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum • Critical incident stress management • Evidence-based practice • Basic crisis communication techniques • Common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions • Putative and empirically derived mechanisms • SAFER-Revised model • Suicide intervention • Relevant research findings • Large group crisis interventions • Small group crisis interventions • Adverse outcome associated with crisis intervention • Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
Course Objectives:
1) Understand the natures & definitions of a psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention.
2) Understand key issues and findings of evidence-based, and evidence-informed practice as it relates to psychological crisis intervention.
3) Understand the resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum.
4) Understand the nature and definition of critical incident stress management and its role as a continuum of care.
5) Practice basic crisis communication techniques.
6) Be familiar with common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions, including empirically derived predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder. Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention Training
7) Understand the putative and empirically derived mechanisms of action in psychological crisis intervention.
8) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
9) Understand how the SAFER-Revised model may be altered for suicide intervention.
10) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
11) Understand and discuss the ethical implications, risks and obligations of providing group and individual crisis response services
12) Define key crisis terms such as “critical incident,” “crisis,” and “crisis intervention.”
13) Define key stress management terms such as “stress,” traumatic stress,” and “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).”
14) Explain role of the comprehensive, integrated, systematic, and multi-component crisis intervention system, known as “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
15) Understand the nature of “resistance,” “resiliency,” and “recovery” in the field of CISM.
16) List components of a CISM program to conduct group crisis intervention sessions.
17) Briefly describe the five elements of CISM’s strategic planning formula.
18) Explain the differences between informational and interactive group crisis intervention procedures.
19) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Informational Group Crisis Interventions such as a) Rest, Information, and Transition Services (RITS) and b) Crisis Management Briefing (CMB).
20) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Interactive Group Crisis Intervention such as a) Debriefing and b) Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD).
Course Description: This 3-day course combines ALL of the content of ICISF’s Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention courses. Crisis Intervention is NOT psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis intervention is sometimes called “emotional first aid”. Designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum, this course will prepare participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services for both the individual and for groups. Fundamentals of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) will be outlined, and participants will leave with the knowledge and tools to provide several group crisis interventions, specifically demobilizations, defusing and the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The need for appropriate follow-up services and referrals, when necessary, will also be discussed.
Course Dates
Who: Michigan First Responders in the fields of Police, Fire, EMS, 911 Dispatch, Corrections as well as Mental Health Professionals. When: June 5th – 7th, 2024, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Where: 3720 Keewahdin Rd., Fort Gratiot, MI 48059 Cost: Free
Program Highlights: • Psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention • Resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum • Critical incident stress management • Evidence-based practice • Basic crisis communication techniques • Common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions • Putative and empirically derived mechanisms • SAFER-Revised model • Suicide intervention • Relevant research findings • Large group crisis interventions • Small group crisis interventions • Adverse outcome associated with crisis intervention • Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
Course Objectives:
1) Understand the natures & definitions of a psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention.
2) Understand key issues and findings of evidence-based, and evidence-informed practice as it relates to psychological crisis intervention.
3) Understand the resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum.
4) Understand the nature and definition of critical incident stress management and its role as a continuum of care.
5) Practice basic crisis communication techniques.
6) Be familiar with common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions, including empirically derived predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder. Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention Training
7) Understand the putative and empirically derived mechanisms of action in psychological crisis intervention.
8) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
9) Understand how the SAFER-Revised model may be altered for suicide intervention.
10) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
11) Understand and discuss the ethical implications, risks and obligations of providing group and individual crisis response services
12) Define key crisis terms such as “critical incident,” “crisis,” and “crisis intervention.”
13) Define key stress management terms such as “stress,” traumatic stress,” and “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).”
14) Explain role of the comprehensive, integrated, systematic, and multi-component crisis intervention system, known as “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
15) Understand the nature of “resistance,” “resiliency,” and “recovery” in the field of CISM.
16) List components of a CISM program to conduct group crisis intervention sessions.
17) Briefly describe the five elements of CISM’s strategic planning formula.
18) Explain the differences between informational and interactive group crisis intervention procedures.
19) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Informational Group Crisis Interventions such as a) Rest, Information, and Transition Services (RITS) and b) Crisis Management Briefing (CMB).
20) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Interactive Group Crisis Intervention such as a) Debriefing and b) Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD).
This session aims to explore the challenges and experiences faced after intense work events, offering insights and strategies to navigate the aftereffects of high-stress incidents. We invite all first responders to gain valuable knowledge and tools to support your well-being and resilience. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow in your post-response journey.
A webinar that promises to be a profound journey into resilience and recovery. We are privileged to welcome Jesse Binns, a distinguished Michigan and Indiana Firefighter/EMT-B, former Law Enforcement, and 911 Operator, as he shares his compelling story. With unflinching honesty, Jesse will delve into his personal battle with gambling addiction and his path to healing, shedding light on the often-hidden struggles with addictions, mental health, and PTSD that many first responders face. This session is more than an educational experience—it’s an invitation to understand the silent battles behind the uniform and to engage in a candid discussion about the behaviors often observed but seldom addressed.
In our next webinar, we’re honored to host Amanda Rae Button, a multifaceted professional with experience as a 911 dispatcher, firefighter, EMT, and an Army Veteran. Tragically, in 2018, Amanda became a law enforcement widow when her husband lost his battle with PTSD.
Guest Speaker:
Amanda Rae Button
Amanda’s journey since has been a testament to resilience and strength. Balancing the grief of loss, raising their daughter, and actively spreading awareness about first responder mental health, her story is both moving and motivational. She shares her experiences through “UnButton The Stigma” and volunteers with the non-profit “First Help.” Recently, she has also taken up the role of secretary for “Making Everything Good.”
In this episode, we welcome Sheriff Jerry Clayton of the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department in Michigan, serving over 358,000 residents. A veteran in public safety, Sheriff Clayton is in his fourth term with over 30 years of diversified experience. Our conversation delves into his journey from Corrections Officer to Sheriff, highlighting his role in enhancing law enforcement training nationwide. Sheriff Clayton, an Eastern Michigan University alum, and seasoned law enforcement trainer, shares his insights on addressing mental and behavioral health challenges faced by frontline officers. We explore Washtenaw County’s strategies for staff well-being, and Sheriff Clayton’s advice for leaders on fostering a supportive work environment. This episode offers a deep dive into the personal and professional commitments of a dedicated public servant.
The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.
In this episode, we welcome Aileen Pettinger and Manisha Leary to the show. Aileen retired as a Captain from the Saginaw Fire Department and now serves as the Region 2 Training Chief for the Michigan Bureau of Fire Services. In addition, Aileen is an active Peer Support Team Member with the Mid-Michigan Peer Support Team, which is a part of the growing network of peer support teams collaborating with the FST5 Program. Manisha Leary is the FST5 Program Manager and a therapist with a focus on trauma.
In the life of a frontline worker, encounters with critical emergencies are a daily reality. These events are rare but carry immense risk, often leaving a lasting impact on the mental and behavioral health of those who serve on the front lines. Imagine being a firefighter trapped inside a structure fire. Or a police officer in a high-stakes confrontation. Or an EMS provider attacked by a patient in the back of a moving ambulance. Aileen is fortunate to survive two separate potentially life-threatening events and she’s here to talk about what it was like to prepare for and overcome the weight of those incidents.
In addition, Aileen will shed light on a pivotal transition for frontline workers: retirement. This significant life change, while a mark of successful service, comes with its own set of stresses and adjustments. Drawing from her own experience as a successful retiree, Aileen offers guidance to peers on navigating this transition gracefully, ensuring that the next chapter post-service is as fulfilling as the career that preceded it.
The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.
In this episode, we welcome Kristie Buruse and Susan Andary who are the CISM Coordinators for the Central Upper Peninsula CISM Team. Kristie Buruse is a retired dispatcher and former firefighter, and paramedic. Susan Andary is an Advanced EMT with UP Health Systems in Marquette, Michigan. As residents, frontline workers, and Peer Support team members in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Kristie and Susan know firsthand about living and working in rural America. During this episode, our guests will discuss the challenges of providing Peer Support and CISM to frontline workers in rural communities.
The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.
WARNING: This episode discusses the sensitive and potentially triggering topic of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.
In this episode, we welcome Ashley Freeman, an EMT who is also working towards her master’s degree in social work. Once she completes her program, Ashley plans on becoming a therapist who works specifically with frontline workers. Although she is currently living a healthy and happy life with a bright future, things were not always so positive for her. Ashley always looked up to her father, Eric, a dedicated paramedic, and aspired to follow in his footsteps. As a child, Ashely’s dream was to one day become an EMT and work with her dad on the road. However, life took a tragic turn when her father died by suicide in 2013. This profound loss would take years to overcome. As a testament to her resilience, Ashley overcame her grief and achieved her EMT license in 2017. During her training, she found a mentor in Robert, her father’s best friend and fellow paramedic. Robert’s support was a comforting reminder of her father’s legacy and pride in her strength and accomplishments. Yet, in a heartbreaking repetition of history, Robert too passed away by suicide shortly after Ashley completed her training. Despite these painful losses, Ashley continues to honor the memory of both her father and his best friend through her commitment as an EMT and future therapist for frontline workers. During this episode, Ashley will tell her story of tragedy and eventual triumph. Thank you, Ashley, for coming on the show and having the strength and bravery to tell your story.
The goal of this episode is to continue to openly discuss suicide in the frontline community so that we can continue to break through the stigma and other barriers that prevent too many of our brothers and sisters from seeking the help that they need.
The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.
In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Ali Amirsadri. Dr. A is the Medical Director of the FST5 Program, and he brings a wealth of knowledge from his role at Wayne State University’s Department of Psychiatry and as an Associate Chair for Clinical Services. We are also joined by Dr. Andrew King, whose extensive credentials speak volumes about his expertise in the field of toxicology, emergency medicine, and substance use disorder. Dr. King is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and medical toxicology at Wayne State University located in Detroit, Michigan. He also serves as the Medical Director for the Tolan Park Opiate Treatment Program at Wayne Health, providing vital treatment options for those grappling with opioid addiction. His role as an In-Patient Addiction Medicine Service Provider at DMC Receiving Hospital Central Campus further underscores his commitment to combating substance use disorders head-on. Additionally, as the Medical Director for the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center, Dr. King is at the forefront of addressing the immediate challenges posed by exposure to toxic chemicals and substances.
Dr. King and Dr. A are here to shed light on Substance Use Disorder, or SUD. Beyond the casual use of substances like a glass of wine or a social drink, SUD represents a significant shift. It’s marked by an escalation in use that begins to affect every facet of life—from work and school to personal relationships. It’s important to keep in mind that SUD isn’t just about alcohol. It’s about the excessive use of substances, including cannabis, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, inhalants, opioids, hallucinogens, stimulants, or any other substance that leads to academic, social, and occupational impairment.
During this episode, we’ll take a deep dive into how SUD can take hold, its impact on control over use, and the resulting physical, psychological, and social consequences. Dr. King and Dr. A will guide us through the intricacies of these disorders, their effects, and the importance of recognizing the signs.
The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.
Host – Geoff Lassers (Lassers126@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD
Host – Mike Mattern (michaelmattern229@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn
Ashley aims to help break the stigma and empower others. In this webinar, she will discuss:
Common grief responses and how they may manifest differently in first responders
Why first responders are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts
Effective coping strategies used by those who have found healing
Where to find confidential support and mental health resources
Participants:
Ashley Freeman
Ashley Freeman, an EMT who is also working towards her master’s degree in social work. Once she completes her program Ashley plans on becoming a therapist that works specifically with Frontline workers. From a young age, Ashley was surrounded by first responders, dreaming of following in her father’s footsteps as a paramedic. Tragically, she lost her father to suicide before getting that chance. She relied on her father’s best friend for support, only to lose him the same way years later.
Course Description: This 3-day course combines ALL of the content of ICISF’s Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention courses. Crisis Intervention is NOT psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis intervention is sometimes called “emotional first aid”. Designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum, this course will prepare participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services for both the individual and for groups. Fundamentals of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) will be outlined, and participants will leave with the knowledge and tools to provide several group crisis interventions, specifically demobilizations, defusing and the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The need for appropriate follow-up services and referrals, when necessary, will also be discussed.
Course Dates
Who: Michigan First Responders in the fields of Police, Fire, EMS, 911 Dispatch, Corrections as well as Mental Health Professionals. When: August 12th, 19th & 26th, 2024, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Where: Zoom Live Online Cost: Free How to join: Click the Register button below
Program Highlights: • Psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention • Resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum • Critical incident stress management • Evidence-based practice • Basic crisis communication techniques • Common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions • Putative and empirically derived mechanisms • SAFER-Revised model • Suicide intervention • Relevant research findings • Large group crisis interventions • Small group crisis interventions • Adverse outcome associated with crisis intervention • Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
Course Objectives:
1) Understand the natures & definitions of a psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention.
2) Understand key issues and findings of evidence-based, and evidence-informed practice as it relates to psychological crisis intervention.
3) Understand the resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum.
4) Understand the nature and definition of critical incident stress management and its role as a continuum of care.
5) Practice basic crisis communication techniques.
6) Be familiar with common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions, including empirically derived predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder. Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention Training
7) Understand the putative and empirically derived mechanisms of action in psychological crisis intervention.
8) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
9) Understand how the SAFER-Revised model may be altered for suicide intervention.
10) Understand and discuss the risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks.
11) Understand and discuss the ethical implications, risks and obligations of providing group and individual crisis response services
12) Define key crisis terms such as “critical incident,” “crisis,” and “crisis intervention.”
13) Define key stress management terms such as “stress,” traumatic stress,” and “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).”
14) Explain role of the comprehensive, integrated, systematic, and multi-component crisis intervention system, known as “Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
15) Understand the nature of “resistance,” “resiliency,” and “recovery” in the field of CISM.
16) List components of a CISM program to conduct group crisis intervention sessions.
17) Briefly describe the five elements of CISM’s strategic planning formula.
18) Explain the differences between informational and interactive group crisis intervention procedures.
19) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Informational Group Crisis Interventions such as a) Rest, Information, and Transition Services (RITS) and b) Crisis Management Briefing (CMB).
20) Practice by participation in role-play scenarios, the Interactive Group Crisis Intervention such as a) Debriefing and b) Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD).
In this episode, we welcome Scott Taylor, a police officer, and Peer Support Member with the City of Warren Police Department. In addition, Scott is the State of Michigan Officer Wellness liaison to the National Fraternal Order of Police, or FOP. The FOP is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 367,000 members.
During his 25+ year career, Scott Taylor has worked as a Patrol Officer, a School Resource Officer, a Field Training Officer, a Special Operation Unit member, a Crime Scene Technician, and served on the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force. Scott is proud of all the positions he has served as a law enforcement officer for nearly three decades. But in his words, providing peer support for his fellow police officers is the most important and impactful job he’s ever had.
In this episode, Scott joins Mike, Manisha, and I to discuss the importance of the mental and behavioral health of frontline workers. The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.
Host – Geoff Lassers (Lassers126@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD
Host – Mike Mattern (michaelmattern229@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn
FD Guest – Manisha Leary LMSW (mleary@med.wayne.edu) Frontline Strong Together (FST5) Program Manager
In this episode, we welcome back Manisha Leary who is the manager of the FST5 Program, as well as a trained psychotherapist with a focus on trauma. During this episode Mike and Manisha will describe the intent, purpose, and functions of frontline Peer Support Teams. They’ll also describe how first responders can access a team for help. Finally, Mike and Manisha will discuss the process to start and maintain a frontline Peer Support Team.
The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.
Host – Geoff Lassers (Lassers126@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD Host – Mike Mattern (michaelmattern229@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD Guest – Manisha Leary LMSW (mleary@med.wayne.edu) Frontline Strong Together (FST5) Program Manager
In this episode, we welcome Audra and Chelsi from the Dear Chiefs Podcast. Once upon a time in the middle of a pandemic, two fire wives and complete strangers met on the internet and decided to start a podcast for first responders and their families. Three years later the Dear Chiefs podcast is still running strong with a weekly show and tons of great social media content. Through their podcast, Audra, and Chelsi hope to help families understand, support, and build stronger relationships with their first responders, while also finding community and appreciation for themselves. We are also joined by Amy Ramsden, a nurse, and the wife of a law enforcement officer.
All three guests have been married to and built families with first responders. During this episode, they’ll lean on their experiences to discuss the hurdles and challenges frontline workers and their families may encounter, as well as how they can manage or avoid them.
The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.
Step into the shoes of first responders and join us for a day of promoting healthy living on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 10am to 3pm EST.
This FREE event is hosted by Wayne State University’s FST5 organization, in partnership with the Detroit Police Department and the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. It is aimed at spreading the word about the importance of wellness in First Responder families.
