We got a chance to sit down with one of our ace instructors on a topic that deserves more play time: Post traumatic Stress Disorder and Hazmat. An interesting support group is introduced, and information is passed. Take a look and listen.

Florian’s Knights mission is to help break the stigma surrounding Operational/Post Traumatic Stress among First Responders. By starting the conversation about mental health, we will ultimately be able to expose more First Responders to alternative therapies and healthier lifestyles.

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documentary – Amazon Prime, search “Florian’s Knights”

Also, April 3th, 2024 at 1930 EST is the first long form episode of the After Action Report Podcast featuring Greg Noll which will be streaming on Facebook and YouTube. Comments will be on!

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode:

Industrial Emergency Council (IEC)

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Episode Overview:

In this engaging episode, hosts dive into a critical and often overlooked aspect of hazardous materials (hazmat) response: the mental health and post-traumatic stress challenges faced by first responders. Featuring Major Matt Sini as a special guest, the discussion shifts towards the profound impacts of PTSD in the first responder community, exploring alternative therapies, and highlighting the significant work done by the Fornian Knights Motorcycle Club in promoting PTSD and mental health awareness among firefighters and other emergency personnel.

Segment Breakdown and Timestamps:

• Introduction and Announcements (00:00:18 - 00:02:32):
• Hosts provide updates on upcoming events and announce the launch of a new website and merchandise. Mentioned are the after-action report podcast, the Battery Destroyers Club, and several conferences and training sessions.
• Guest Introduction - Major Matt Sini (00:02:33 - 00:03:52):
• Introduction of the episode's special guest, Major Matt Sini, highlighting his background in Hazmat One and his role as an instructor within the Hazmat Guys Training Division.
• Fornian Knights Motorcycle Club & PTSD Awareness (00:03:53 - 00:14:28):
• Matt Sini discusses the formation and mission of the Fornian Knights Motorcycle Club, focusing on PTSD and mental health awareness among firefighters and first responders. He details the club's initiatives, including the Protected by Knights project and various fundraising events for charities.
• Understanding PTSD (00:14:29 - 00:20:38):
• An in-depth conversation on the nuances of PTSD, including the importance of recognizing smaller, cumulative traumas in addition to singular traumatic events. The hosts and guest discuss strategies for identifying and coping with PTSD, the benefits of having a supportive community, and alternative therapies.
• Closing and Resources (00:20:39 - End):
• The episode concludes with a summary of the discussion, a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, and details on how to find more information about the Fornian Knights Motorcycle Club and their activities.
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Identification of Key Moments:

• Matt Sini shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind the Fornian Knights Motorcycle Club's focus on PTSD awareness (00:03:58 - 00:04:58).
• An enlightening discussion on how multiple small-scale traumatic experiences can cumulatively impact mental health similarly to a single, large-scale traumatic event (00:07:27 - 00:09:39).
• The exploration of the "Protected by Knights" project and its goal to provide first responders with access to alternative therapies and support networks (00:05:48 - 00:06:54).

Resource Links and References:

• Fornian Knights Motorcycle Club Website: http://fornianknights.com
• Florian's Knights Documentary on Amazon Prime

Guest Information:

Major Matt Sini - A seasoned hazmat responder and instructor with the Hazmat Guys Training Division. Co-founder and former president of the Fornian Knights Motorcycle Club, dedicated to promoting PTSD and mental health awareness among first responders.

Concluding Summary and Call to Action:

This episode sheds light on the critical yet often overlooked aspect of mental health within the first responder community. The Hazmat Guys, alongside Major Matt Sini, delve into the realities of PTSD, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing it. We encourage our listeners to explore the resources provided, share this episode with colleagues, and engage in discussions about mental health and wellness within their professional and personal circles.

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