First Responder Trauma Is Real - Preparation Makes A Difference

Melven Mathias, Virginia Beach, Va., First Responder: Melven is a buddy of mine with whom I've worked out for years at Wareing's Gym in Va. Beach. I invited him here on CBJ as a guest because we've discussed some of his remarkable, heartfelt stories about his personal experience with First Responder Trauma.

He's a retired Deputy Fire Chief, retired Va. Task Force II, Urban Search & Rescue Team Leader, Retired FEMA Disaster Safety Officer and Vietnam Vet. Melven responded to and assisted with the Oklahoma City Bombing, Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, Haiti Earthquake, Hurricane Katrina and the 07 and 09 California wildfires - and these are just a few of his many disaster moments. Listen up to his straight talk from the reality he experienced as a First Responder to understand more about what they go through, both before and after those tragic realities.
Details on Melven's Experience
Although disasters are often a collective event (meaning experienced my many) they are in reality, a singularity experience resulting in an array of emotions, feelings, and consequences.  As a team leader, one must recognize this fact, as the post-traumatic symptoms will manifest differently in each of the members. Team members may seem alike; however, I have come to realize they often have slight differences requiring individual management.
Melven's Reports His Experiences at CBJ/098

* The first thing most first responders do - they think they're tough
* We start each mission by sorting out who will go 
* Our 9-11 mission at the Pentagon in DC
* As a team leader, your #1 priority is your team members
* Your team may not be up to that capability
* On the bus going home
* The emotional burden for first responders
* You're in no mood to be special or thanked
* What we learned from Oklahoma
* You may need professional help
* The difference between 'debrief' and 'decompress'
* Differences in the stages: Pre, During & Aftermath 

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Melven's Experiences Documented In This 'Transcript' Document

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http://corebrainjournal.com/099
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First Responder References

* Suicide Prevention Resource Toolkit - PDF Download Targets First Responders
* First Responder Resources - PDF Download
* EMDR and Early Mental Health Intervention - PDF Download

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Thanks
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