Navigating Resilience in EMS: Conversations on Mental Health and Well-Being

Health, Wellness, and Resilience in EMS

Introduction to the Podcast

• Jeff Franle introduces himself as the managing editor of GEMS and welcomes listeners to the podcast during EMS week.

• Matt Filbrick joins the discussion, expressing excitement for the day's focus on health, wellness, and resilience.

Importance of Health and Wellness in EMS

• The day emphasizes recognizing and caring for both EMS professionals' and patients' health and wellness.

• Matt shares his passion for discussing mental health and resilience within the EMS community.

Matt Filbrick's Background

• Matt has nearly 20 years of experience as a paramedic with various roles in EMS, including operations management.

• He currently manages a team at Global Medical Response focused on employee support regarding health, wellness, and resiliency.

Understanding Wellness and Resiliency

• Matt highlights that experience brings education; he holds multiple degrees including an MBA and is pursuing a doctorate in performance psychology.

• He describes emergency responders as ordinary people doing extraordinary things while emphasizing their need for psychological understanding.

Defining Key Concepts: Wellness vs. Resiliency

• Wellness is often misunderstood; it should be seen as promoting personal growth rather than merely the absence of illness.

• True resiliency involves navigating tough situations (e.g., long shifts or difficult calls) while growing from those experiences.

Introducing Mental Fitness

• Resiliency is linked to post-trauma growth—growing stronger after facing challenges.

• The concept of mental fitness is introduced as akin to physical fitness; it's about being mentally strong enough to handle challenges effectively.

Understanding Mental Fitness in EMS

The Importance of Mental Fitness

• Mental fitness is likened to physical fitness, emphasizing the ability to handle tough situations effectively.

• Working in EMS provides unique opportunities for community service that many other professions do not offer, highlighting the value of this work.

• Key concepts discussed include resiliency and mental fitness as essential traits for handling the challenges faced in EMS.

Shifting Culture in EMS

• There is a belief that the culture within EMS is evolving from a "suck it up" mentality towards one that prioritizes provider wellness.

• The current workforce recognizes that simply enduring hardships isn't effective; there’s a need for balance between toughness and vulnerability.

Anti-Fragility Concept

• The idea of anti-fragility is introduced, suggesting that individuals should be resilient enough to withstand stress without becoming overly fragile.

• Stigma around seeking help still exists but varies by agency and team dynamics; some environments are more supportive than others.

Generational Perspectives on Work Ethic

• Criticism of younger generations' work ethic has been common throughout history, yet emerging workers today seek validation and meaningful experiences over traditional metrics like overtime hours.

• Younger workers prioritize healthy boundaries and work-life balance, contrasting with older views where excessive overtime was seen as a sign of commitment.

Resilience vs. Numbing Coping Mechanisms

• A distinction is made between resilience and unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance use, which can lead to burnout or compassion fatigue.

• Addressing these issues requires understanding the deeper emotional challenges faced by those in high-stress roles like EMS.

Understanding the Intersection of Leadership and Wellness

The Importance of Knowing Your "Why"

• The concept of "Start with Why," developed by Simon Sinek, emphasizes that understanding one's purpose allows individuals to endure challenges.

• Victor Frankl's insights in Man's Search for Meaning reinforce that knowing your "why" enables resilience against any obstacles.

• During the COVID years, those in the workforce who understood their purpose were better equipped to handle difficult situations.

Resilience in High-Stress Environments

• Emergency responders face increasingly dangerous environments; knowing their "why" helps them cope with threats to personal well-being.

• Reflecting on personal motivations can lead to greater job satisfaction and sustainability within challenging professions.

Exploring Personal Motivations

• Individuals should examine their reasons for doing their work, whether it stems from intrinsic needs or a sense of community service.

• A mismatch between one's motivations and experiences can lead to dissatisfaction or leaving the industry.

Building Resilience and Mental Fitness

• Resilience is not solely innate; it can be cultivated through intentional practices and self-investment.

• Discussing wellness practices reveals that many people rely on limited vacation time rather than consistent self-care routines.

Micro-Doses of Wellness

• Daily micro-doses of wellness are essential for long-term sustainability; relying on infrequent vacations is insufficient for coping with daily stressors.

• Engaging in small activities, like spending five minutes outdoors, can positively impact mental health over time.

Reframing Conversations About Well-being

• Instead of asking if someone is okay after a stressful call, asking how they felt about it encourages deeper reflection on their experiences.

• Focusing on positive aspects—even in negative situations—can help shift perspectives and improve overall well-being.

Building Resiliency and Seeking Help

The Importance of Reflection in Experience

• Reflecting on experiences enhances enjoyment and sustainability in work. Individuals who analyze their daily interactions report greater mental fitness and resilience.

• Taking breaks, such as vacations, is important, but integrating small positive actions into daily routines can significantly impact overall well-being.

Overcoming the Stigma of Asking for Help

• Many individuals struggle to ask for help due to fears of stigma or being perceived as weak or burdensome. This internal narrative often exacerbates feelings of isolation.

• The concept of "negativity bias" explains how our minds focus more on potential negatives than positives, leading to unnecessary suffering from imagined scenarios rather than reality.

Vulnerability as a Strength

• Expressing vulnerability by admitting struggles can foster deeper connections and trust between individuals, contrary to the fear that it may lead to judgment or rejection. Vulnerability is essential for building relationships.

• Encouragement is given to reach out for help when needed; if direct outreach feels daunting, exploring local resources like peer support or professional counseling is advised.

Finding Local Resources for Support

• Various professionals are available to assist with mental health challenges, including licensed counselors and therapists trained specifically to navigate personal difficulties effectively. It's crucial to seek out these resources within one's community.

• Building a trusting relationship with a therapist can enhance the therapeutic experience; therapy should be viewed as a supportive conversation rather than an intimidating process focused solely on past traumas.

Advice for New Emergency Responders

• New EMTs and paramedics are encouraged to understand their purpose within the industry, emphasizing the value and meaning behind their work which contributes significantly to long-term resilience in this demanding field. Understanding one’s “why” is vital for sustaining passion in emergency response roles.

Understanding the Identity and Meaning in EMS Work

The Role of Identity in EMS

• The speaker highlights the visible presence of EMS agency stickers on vehicles, indicating a strong sense of identity among emergency medical service workers.

• There is a deep-rooted significance in the work done by EMS professionals, as they participate in pivotal life moments such as birth and death.

Finding Meaning in Challenging Work

• Despite facing difficult days, the speaker believes that one's experience in EMS can improve over time, emphasizing resilience and growth.

• New entrants to the industry are warned against adopting a negative mindset; instead, they should embrace the unique challenges and rewards of their roles.

Embracing Positivity Amidst Challenges

• The speaker encourages those entering EMS to avoid complaining about common frustrations like patient transfers or interactions with hospital staff.

• Acknowledging that many will face tough situations, it's important for new recruits to focus on enjoying their experiences rather than succumbing to negativity.

Advice for Experienced Paramedics: Maintaining Health and Resilience

Recognizing Individual Differences

• The discussion shifts to seasoned paramedics who may exhibit a "salty" demeanor; this attitude can arise early in one’s career and reflects personal disposition rather than industry norms.

Breaking Stereotypes About Mental Health

• It is emphasized that not all individuals in EMS need to be viewed through a lens of dysfunction or mental health issues; support systems should be available without stigma.

Personal Responsibility for Well-being

• The speaker critiques oversimplified wellness advice (like strict routines), advocating for personal exploration to find what truly works for each individual.

Experimenting with Self-Care Practices

• Sharing personal anecdotes, the speaker mentions trying various activities (e.g., beer yoga), underscoring the importance of finding enjoyable self-care methods tailored to individual preferences.

Enjoying Coffee: A Personal Ritual

The Love for EMS Coffee

• The speaker expresses a deep appreciation for EMS coffee, emphasizing the enjoyment derived from it rather than any commercial endorsement.

• Describes a specific preparation method involving excessive scoops of coffee grounds to achieve a strong flavor, likening the result to "sludge."

• Highlights the immersive experience of savoring coffee, indicating that it allows for complete focus and enjoyment regardless of external distractions.

• Encourages listeners to identify their own personal rituals or activities that bring joy and to protect that time in their lives.

• Stresses the importance of making time for what works personally, suggesting that such practices contribute positively to overall well-being.