Tag: stigma

The Firefighter Deconstructed sits down with Sean Wyman and talks about getting out from being miserable. Sean Wyman is a18 Year Law Enforcement Officer and Trainer, Army Veteran, father of 3, and husband of 14 years. He is also trauma informed care speaker, trauma trainer, and bestselling author. Sean went through a horrific childhood that continued to direct his life and how he lived. Sean realized just how miserable he was and decided to do something about it. His journey is remarkable. Sean has now dedicated his life to helping others get unstuck.

Sean Wyman Links:
gbtcbook.com
gbtc911.com

Rick Markley and I talk about the unique challenges that volunteer firefighters and their departments face in taking care of their wellness and mental health. There is so much more involved than just bad calls. You may think that an episode on volunteer firefighters has nothing to do with you, but with volunteers making up 67% of the fire service in the United States, this subject matters to everyone. Rick Markely has been a Volunteer fire fighter for almost 12 years.
He is also he former editor-in-chief of FireRescue1 and Fire Chief, a volunteer firefighter and fire investigator, and is a contributor to FirefighterCloseCalls. He serves on the board of directors and is actively involved with the International Fire Relief Mission, a humanitarian aid organization that delivers unused fire and EMS equipment to firefighters in developing countries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s of fine arts. He has logged more than 15 years as an editor-in-chief and written numerous articles on firefighting.

https://volunteerfirefighterintl.com/
Firefighter Close Calls
http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/
Book “Pass it on 3: Making Good Progress” (coupon code for 25% off: goodprogress)
https://fireengineeringbooks.com/pass-it-on-3-making-good-progress/
International Fire Relief Mission
https://sites.google.com/ifrm2007.com/ifrm2007-intl-fire-relief/home

The Firefighter Deconstructed sits down with another amazing daughter of a long time police officer. 21 year old Courtney talks about growing up as the oldest kid in a family with a first responder dad that works long hours as a police officer…and ends up with PTSI. No one talked to Courtney to tell her what was going on with her dad. No one explained that her dad was isolating and unavailable because he was being haunted by years of being a police officer. Courtney assumed she should be doing more for her parents instead of her parents doing more for her. At one point Courtney ponders “why even be alive if my parents aren’t here for me.” She also points out that she knows her parents did the best they could. BUT all of this went on much longer than it needed to, if only policeman dad was able to identify what was going on and ask for help. Lack of education and stigma kept Courtney and her dad suffering much longer than needed, which ultimately led to long term issues Courtney is dealing with now. Dear first responder parents (and all parents), you bring your job home with you. You must talk to your kids and you must get help yourself no matter how paralyzing the stigma is. Just listen to Courtney and she’ll tell you all about it.

This Episode is with Anaheim Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Fiorenza. Matt is a 16 year veteran of the the AFD and started drinking alcohol when he was 11. He had many trials and tribulations along the way to recovery. PTS nearly killed him. But he made it through and is a firefighter paramedic for the Anaheim Fire Department station at the Happiest place on Earth. He also works with a few organizations helping those afflicted with PTS and drug and alcohol addiction. Matt is a true inspiration in so many ways.

How to reach Matty:
https://www.firstresponder-wellness.com/-– 
https://www.shiftwellness.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddR6x7iQGys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgFY5Bucvmc&t=61s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo6y8m6t_2Q
https://saveawarrior.org/home#what-is-save-a-warrior
Matty@shiftwellness.com
Matt@saveawarrior.org 
matt.fiorenza@simplerecovery.com 
IG shift_wellness_firemanmatty
FB Matt Fiorenza LLC 

In Part 2, Jay talks more about working at the bomb site, the surrealism and how supportive the entire community was. Jay and I talk about what didn’t work and what did work to recover from PTSD. Jay also talks about the passing of Rebecca Kuga, a dedicated psychologist who worked with first responders to heal. She not only gave of herself professionally, but she truly gave her heart, love and compassion to countless first responders. Rebecca recently passed away from breast cancer. Those who were touched by her will never forget. Jay and myself are two of those people. She will greatly be missed.