Maintaining First Responders health & well-being during the overdose Crisis


First Responder Health: Maintaining Well-Being During the Overdose Crisis
In this presentation we will examine the unique psychological challenges facing first responders and what can be done to sustain a healthy existence.
Issues surrounding call volume, scope of practice and call diversity will provide the audience a context for understanding the modern psychological challenges facing first responders.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the challenges facing first responders
- Explain the services provided to SFD members
- Explain the services developed through the BCPFFA
- Overview how society’s suffering has contributed to the psychological crisis facing first responders.
- How one’s natural negativity bias leaves oneself susceptible to moral injury, compassion fatigue and burnout.
- What fire fighters and mental health professionals can do to bridge existing gaps to counter the mental health crisis.
Matt Johnston is a clinical counsellor and full-time professional fire fighter. Matt has mastered the art of closing the gap between mental health services and first responders. Through his proactive, strengths-based approach, Matt’s ultimate goal is to alleviate the mental health crisis gripping first responders across North America.
Matt’s skill set is grounded by twenty years of study in the field of psychology and over ten years in clinical practice. His unique approach to conceptualizing trauma is an introspective blend of academic training, clinical practice and direct experience of attending over 2,000 emergency calls as a fire fighter in the Metro Vancouver area.
Matt is the creator of an innovative course for mental health professionals titled Occupational Awareness Training for Therapists: Understanding First Responder Trauma. This ‘first of its kind’ initiative provides specialized training to counsellors who look to build a sustainable, working relationship with first responders.
This session is followed by
VICARIOUS RESISTANCE: INSPIRING HOPE AS AN ETHICAL POSITION with Vikki Reynolds plus 30 other speakers
Register TODAY
Recovery Capital Conference of Canada
September 6th and 7th, 2018
PRESENTING SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS
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