A Duty To Act

Latest Episodes:

Hooves and Heroes | Connecting Veterans with Nature and Horses May 14, 2025

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Jennifer interviews Sonia Jorgensen, a US Navy veteran and founder of Hooves and Heroes, a nonprofit organization that connects veterans and first responders with horses for therapeutic experiences. Sonia shares her journey of founding the organization, the healing power of horses, and how they provide immediate feedback to humans about their emotional and physical states. The discussion delves into the importance of awareness, community, and the unique approach of equine assisted learning as a supportive method for mental health without the stigma of traditional therapy. In this conversation, Sonia Jorgensen discusses her journey in healthcare leadership, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and the lack of support for first responders. She emphasizes the importance of community and resources for mental health, particularly for first responders and veterans. Sonia introduces equine-assisted learning as a therapeutic approach that helps individuals regulate their emotions and connect with their environment through interactions with horses. The discussion covers various exercises and techniques used in sessions, highlighting the benefits of breathwork and the horse-human connection in emotional healing.

Coroners, the last first responders: Rep. Peter Abbarno Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

summaryIn this conversation, state representative Peter Abbarno discusses House Bill 1002, which aims to provide PTSD coverage for medical examiners and coroners in Washington State. He shares insights on the unique stresses faced by these professionals, the legislative process involved in authoring the bill, and the importance of community input in shaping policy. The discussion also touches on the funding mechanisms for the bill and the broader implications for public service providers dealing with mental health issues. In this conversation, Peter Abbarno discusses the importance of addressing stress and PTSD in first responders, his journey into politics driven by a desire to improve his community, and his current legislative focus on securing funding for fire districts. He emphasizes the need for community engagement in the legislative process and encourages individuals to share their ideas with their representatives.

takeaways

The bill aims to recognize PTSD for medical examiners and coroners.
Community input is crucial for effective legislation.
Medical examiners are often overlooked in discussions about PTSD.
The average tenure for medical legal death investigators is about five years.
Funding for the bill comes from the existing workers' compensation system.
PTSD treatment can be complex and costly.
The bill is currently in the rules committee awaiting further action.
There is a significant need for stress mitigation resources for these professionals.
Legislators often hear about issues directly from constituents.
The bill has the potential to impact a small but important group of workers. We need to do a better job identifying stressors.
First responders require adequate treatment for PTSD.
Community engagement is crucial for effective legislation.
Peter Abbarno's political journey is driven by family values.
Funding for fire districts is essential for community safety.
Legislators are accessible and open to new ideas.
Grants for fire districts can improve infrastructure and resources.
Public service should be motivated by community needs.
The legislative process can take time and persistence.
Successful policy ideas often originate from community input.

Building Support Systems for First Responders | Brooke Lundquist Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

summaryIn this conversation, Jennifer and Brooke Lundquist discuss the importance of mental health and wellness for first responders. They explore the challenges faced by first responders, the significance of establishing relationships with counselors, and the innovative EMDR therapy that helps process trauma. Brooke shares her journey into counseling first responders and emphasizes the need for accessible mental health resources. The discussion highlights the evolving perception of mental health in the first responder community and the importance of proactive wellness strategies. In this conversation, Jennifer and Brooke Lundquist discuss the challenges faced by first responders, particularly in managing stress and communication within relationships. They explore the impact of shift work on family dynamics, the importance of emotional support animals, and the integration of mental health training in paramedic programs. The discussion also delves into retirement planning, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and identity beyond work. Additionally, they introduce a new support group for female first responders, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences in navigating the unique challenges of their profession.

takeaways

Brooke Lundquist is passionate about first responder wellness and mental health.
EMDR therapy is effective for processing trauma.
First responders often face unique challenges that require specialized support.
Establishing a relationship with a counselor before a crisis is beneficial.
Mental health is becoming a new norm in first responder training.
Proactive wellness strategies are essential for first responders.
Counseling can include individual and couples therapy for first responders.
Building rapport with mental health providers removes barriers to seeking help.
First responders should know where to find mental health resources.
The stigma around mental health in first responders is decreasing. The stress of first responder jobs can impact family communication.
Shift work creates unique challenges for relationships.
Replenishment and capacity are essential for wellness.
Emotional support animals can provide significant comfort.
Mental health training is crucial for paramedics.
Retirement planning should include identity and purpose.
Self-awareness is key to a successful transition into retirement.
Community support is vital for female first responders.
Counseling should be normalized for those in helping professions.
Accessible mental health resources are important for first responders.

The First First Responders: Island Comms 911 Dispatch | Sofia Kohfield Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jennifer interviews Sofia Kohfield, the executive director of ICOM 911, discussing the intricacies of dispatching, the challenges faced by dispatchers, and the importance of wellness in this high-stress environment. They explore the recruitment and training processes, the unique challenges of operating on Whidbey Island, and the technological limitations that impact emergency response. The conversation highlights the critical role dispatchers play as first responders and the need for community support to enhance their capabilities.

takeaways

Dispatchers handle a variety of calls, making each day unique.
The recruitment process includes a critical test and extensive training.
Wellness programs are essential for dispatchers due to the stress of the job.
Dispatchers often do not receive closure on calls, adding to their stress.
Training includes emergency medical dispatch protocols for life-saving instructions.
ICOM 911 faces unique challenges due to the island's geography and staffing.
Technological upgrades are necessary for improved communication and response.
Community support is vital for funding and resources for ICOM 911.
The dispatch center has implemented wellness initiatives like treadmills and quiet rooms.

Winning Social Media for First Responder Agencies| Joshua Darling Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'A Duty to Act', Jennifer Darling and her husband Josh discuss the importance of activating communities through social media for public service agencies. They explore the need for effective marketing strategies, the significance of establishing a unique brand identity, and the role of authenticity in social media personas. The conversation also covers various content creation strategies to engage the community and highlights the types of content that can be effective for public service agencies while cautioning against content that could harm the department's reputation. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding and engaging with the community through social media, emphasizing the need for targeted content creation, effective use of various platforms, and the establishment of clear social media policies. The speakers discuss strategies for crowdsourcing content, maximizing the longevity of posts, and the significance of regular engagement to build relationships with the community.

Social media is essential for community engagement.
Public service agencies must market themselves effectively.
Brand identity goes beyond logos; it's about mission and values.
Establishing a voice on social media is crucial.
Authenticity in social media personas builds trust.
Video content is more engaging than static images.
Community engagement can enhance recruitment efforts.
Content should reflect the department's ethos.
Avoid posting content that could damage the department's reputation.
Engagement strategies should focus on showing the human side of public service. Understanding your audience is crucial for effective communication.
Creating personas based on community demographics can enhance content relevance.
Crowdsourcing content can significantly boost engagement and variety.
Engaging with the community through social media fosters trust and connection.
Establishing a clear social media policy is essential for managing content and interactions.
Less than 30% of nonprofits have a social media policy, highlighting a gap in the sector.
YouTube offers the longest content lifespan compared to other platforms.
Regular posting helps maintain visibility and community engagement.
Not every post needs to be high production; authenticity matters.
Building relationships with the community enhances support during critical times.

From EMS to Physician | Jeffery Davis Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

takeaways

The journey into medicine can be driven by personal experiences and a desire for fulfillment.
Wages for EMS professionals are often inadequate, leading to financial insecurity.
Investing in the human element of healthcare is crucial for success.
Wellness and self-care are essential for EMS professionals to perform effectively.
Community integration is vital for the future of EMS services.
Metrics for success in EMS should focus on patient outcomes rather than arbitrary response times.
Mental health challenges are prevalent in EMS and need to be addressed.
The importance of teamwork and support among colleagues in high-stress environments.
Self-care practices, such as eating and resting, are critical for EMS providers.
The evolution of EMS requires adapting to new challenges and redefining success.

The Art of Ultra-realistic Trauma Simulations | Bobbie Merica Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation, Jennifer and Bobbie Merica discuss the innovative approaches to training first responders through realistic simulations and moulage techniques. Bobbie shares her journey from personal trauma to creating Moulage Concepts, a company dedicated to enhancing training for emergency responders. They explore the importance of resilience in both training and personal experiences, emphasizing the need for community support and engagement in mental health initiatives. The discussion highlights the significance of storytelling in training and the impact of immersive experiences on learning outcomes.

Dr. Joshua Corsa | Part 2 Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

takeaways

Dr. Corsa has a diverse background in public service and EMS, including working as a firefighter, paramedic, and trauma surgeon.
Providing medical care in rural and isolated areas presents unique challenges, such as limited access to hospitals and unreliable transportation.
Having progressive protocols, advanced equipment, and highly skilled paramedics is crucial in delivering quality care in remote locations.
Pre-hospital innovations, such as ultrasound and ventilators, have significantly improved patient care and outcomes.
Longevity and experience among paramedics in remote areas can be both beneficial and challenging, as retirements may lead to the need for training new personnel. The greatest innovation in EMS is the increased knowledge and capabilities of paramedics and EMTs.
Advancements in equipment, such as the stair chair and power stretcher, have greatly improved patient care.
Safety is a crucial aspect of helicopter operations, and the dedication of rescue technicians is commendable.
Medical program directors play a vital role in coordinating and implementing programs to address the opioid crisis.
Buprenorphine can be used in the field to help patients in withdrawal and connect them with follow-up care.
Prolonged field care requires a different mindset and planning to provide care in remote and austere environments. The future of EMS lies in recognizing the importance of tailoring care to the specific needs of each community.
Critical thinking skills are essential in EMS and should be integrated into training programs.
Coordination and communication are crucial in mass casualty incidents, involving multiple agencies and organizations.
Comprehensive triage systems, such as the RAMP method, can help prioritize patients in mass casualty incidents.
There is a need for improved pre-hospital pain management, including the use of over-the-counter medications, which could be administered by EMTs.

Dr. Joshua Corsa | Pre-Hospital Innovations, Rural EMS response, and special forces trauma care Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

takeaways

Dr. Corsa has a diverse background in public service and EMS, including working as a firefighter, paramedic, and trauma surgeon.
Providing medical care in rural and isolated areas presents unique challenges, such as limited access to hospitals and unreliable transportation.
Having progressive protocols, advanced equipment, and highly skilled paramedics is crucial in delivering quality care in remote locations.
Pre-hospital innovations, such as ultrasound and ventilators, have significantly improved patient care and outcomes.
Longevity and experience among paramedics in remote areas can be both beneficial and challenging, as retirements may lead to the need for training new personnel. The greatest innovation in EMS is the increased knowledge and capabilities of paramedics and EMTs.
Advancements in equipment, such as the stair chair and power stretcher, have greatly improved patient care.
Safety is a crucial aspect of helicopter operations, and the dedication of rescue technicians is commendable.
Medical program directors play a vital role in coordinating and implementing programs to address the opioid crisis.
Buprenorphine can be used in the field to help patients in withdrawal and connect them with follow-up care.
Prolonged field care requires a different mindset and planning to provide care in remote and austere environments. The future of EMS lies in recognizing the importance of tailoring care to the specific needs of each community.
Critical thinking skills are essential in EMS and should be integrated into training programs.
Coordination and communication are crucial in mass casualty incidents, involving multiple agencies and organizations.
Comprehensive triage systems, such as the RAMP method, can help prioritize patients in mass casualty incidents.
There is a need for improved pre-hospital pain management, including the use of over-the-counter medications, which could be administered by EMTs.

Stabbed on the Job & EMS Mental Health | Benjamin Vernon Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

Takeaways

Arriving in the middle of a call can be dangerous as you may not be aware of the dynamics and tensions already present.
Compassion fatigue can lead to a lack of empathy and compassion, which can impact patient care and increase the risk of violence.
It is important for first responders to reconnect with their purpose and maintain a compassionate mindset to avoid burnout and negative interactions with patients.
Having a clear and universal code for calling for help in emergency situations can improve communication and response times. Seeking professional help for mental health is crucial, especially in traumatic situations.
Departments should prioritize mental health and create robust mental health programs.
Sleep is essential for overall health and wellness, and shift workers face unique challenges in getting adequate sleep.
Informal peer support has its limitations, and professional help may be necessary in certain situations. The aftermath of the stabbing incident had a significant impact on Benjamin and his crew, leading to silence and a lack of communication within the crew.
Benjamin expressed concern for his captain and crew members who did not seek mental health help, highlighting the importance of mental health support in the fire department.
The concept of administrative betrayal was discussed, emphasizing the need for departments to carefully consider the discipline they impose and the potential impact on individuals' mental health.
Benjamin emphasized the need for more education and training on mental health at every rank in the department to create a better understanding and support system.

Sound Bites

"I was blown away by that, that paradigm shift of calling it that."
"The entire fight lasted less than five seconds."
"I was not a very nice person... I was bitter and burned out."
"If I could go back and anything, would just help my guys be compassionate again, know, make sure they're rested and remind them of why we do this job so that when we're on scene, we are better patient caregivers."
"What is it that launches your instinct?"
"You can only [pass judgment] when you are an expert in that field."
"We're not going to talk about the stabbing, okay?"
"That's a very strange dynamic."
"The skyscraper in the room"

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