tragedy , threats or significant sources of stress .” When we adapt as we face adversity , we can learn and grow from the experience . We can adopt the learned principles into our new behaviors . And we can face new threats with the capabilities we gain from experience . This is the process of adaptive resilience and post-traumatic growth .
We all experience difficult times . First responders face threats at a rate that far exceeds the general population rate . And too often , we see these experiences similar to a broken appendage that never quite heals . The nomenclature of “ post-traumatic stress disorder ” emphasizes something is “ out of order .” But if we begin to shift our focus on post-traumatic stress from a disorder that stays with us forever , to an injury we can heal and repair , we have an opportunity to grow from the events we face and build resilience .
Resilience is crucial in the first responder population . Resilience is key to the need for first responders to be ready to deploy in support of public safety at a moment ’ s notice . Readiness is that aspect of all components of our training that support our mind , body , spiritual , social , financial , and professional capacity to respond .
READINESS FOR THE NEXT STAGE
Pre-deployment readiness refers to the factors we incorporate into our training to build a stronger body . These can include how we sleep , eat , move our bodies , address mental health hygiene , make time for family , manage finances , pray , meditate and cultivate purpose and meaning . All of these factors help us to be ready for the next stage : deployment to an event . During deployment , health and wellness focuses on officer safety , appropriate risk management decision making , and assuring a swift resolution to the critical event .
Following deployment , we begin activities that allow the individual to digest the experience . These can help determine what went well , how the response could be better and how to process the impact of the event on the individual ’ s mental , spiritual , and physical health . The post-deployment phase should lean on activities learned during pre-deployment . And it should focus on fostering healthy coping behaviors and participating in peer-to-peer interaction that helps the individual process the critical incident .
COMING OUT STRONGER
In the first responder community , this process repeats itself in constant cycles . When we focus on activities to enhance readiness and resilience , we are ensuring first responders are ready to support their communities at a moment ’ s notice . So it ’ s critical that both the individual and leadership review what actions they ’ re taking today to ensure a ready and resilient workforce .
Tough things seem to be a part of the status quo . That ’ s especially true today . As I think about how I approach my response to current events , I reflect on what my old commander asked as we were preparing our soldiers and their families for war : How do we come out this stronger than where we started ?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr . Anna Fitch Courie , Director of Responder Wellness , FirstNet Program at AT & T is a nurse , Army wife , former adjunct professor , and author . Anna holds a Bachelor ’ s in Nursing from Clemson University ; a Master ’ s in Nursing Education from the University of Wyoming ; and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Ohio State University . She is a passionate Clemson football fan ; loves to read , cook , walk , hike ; and prior to COVID-19 , was an avid traveler .
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