AHMEEK – The Ahmeek Village Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department is hosting a presentation that addresses the mental health and well-being of first responders of all disciplines. The presentation will be from 3-6 p.m.Sunday, at the Ahmeek Village Fire Hall.

Entitled “Zero To 60: Career Survival andEmotional Wellness, this seminar will (go) through “boots on the ground” experiences and will provide responders and their loved ones with a clear picture of why this profession leads to destructive and unhealthy lifestyle habits, according to a release from the Ahmeek department.

The husband and wife educator team will demonstrate how a responder’s inability to manage the cumulative stress from daily exposures to adrenaline and trauma negatively affects their safety, decision-making and ability to remain ethically solid.

Responders and their families will be armed with tools to manage the everyday unique stressors and will be able to recognize the warning signs for chronic and post-traumatic stress and suicidal behavior.

Learn from a first responder and his spouse realistic, simple and successful methods to keep you safe at work and your relationships at home intact!

According to a report from Relier Mental Health, the latest prevalence data on first responder mental health states the depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders are most common mental health conditions among firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel. According to one report:

• Depression and PTSD are five times more common in first responders than the general population

• 85% of first responders report symptoms related to mental health conditions

• Firefighters and police officers are more likely to die by suicide than while on duty.

The First Responders Foundation (FRF) says several factors exacerbate mental health challenges for first responders. The unpredictability and intensity of their work can lead to chronic stress.

There is also a cultural aspect: the expectation to maintain a ‘tough’ exterior can deter first responders from seeking help, fostering an environment where mental health issues are underreported. This stigma, combined with a lack of adequate mental health resources, makes it even more challenging for those in need to seek and receive support.

“Raising awareness about the mental health of first responders is crucial,” the FRF website states. “Acknowledging and addressing these issues not only supports their well-being but also ensures they can perform their duties effectively.”

Mental health support can take various forms, such as counseling services, peer support programs, and stress management training, the FRF says. Normalizing conversations around mental health and creating a supportive community culture where first responders can openly discuss their experiences and challenges without fear of judgment or repercussions is essential.

The local community can contribute by advocating for better mental health resources for first responders. Donations to mental health charities, participating in community events focused on first responder support and simply acknowledging the sacrifices these individuals make can have a profound impact. Additionally, policies and regulations that prioritize the mental health of first responders should be advocated for at the local and national levels.

This presentation is open to all first responders, their families and the general public on June 8th from 3:00 to6:00 p.m. at the Ahmeek Village Hall. There is no fee to attend and registration is not required. Refreshments will be served.

Questions may be directed to Ahmeek Village Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department Assistant Fire Chief Michael Defina at KeweenawFireTraining@gmail.com.

Entitled “Zero To 60: Career Survival andEmotional Wellness, this seminar will (go) through “boots on the ground” experiences and will provide responders and their loved ones with a clear picture of why this profession leads to destructive and unhealthy lifestyle habits, according to a release from the Ahmeek department.

A husband and wife educator team will demonstrate how a responder’s inability to manage the cumulative stress from daily exposures to adrenaline and trauma negatively affects their safety, decision-making and ability to remain ethically solid.

“Responders and their families will be armed with tools to manage the everyday unique stressors and will be able to recognize the warning signs for chronic and post-traumatic stress and suicidal behavior.,” the release states. “Learn from a first responder and his spouse realistic, simple and successful methods to keep you safe at work and your relationships at home intact.”

According to a report from Relier Mental Health, the latest prevalence data on first responder mental health states the depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders are most common mental health conditions among firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel. According to one report:

• Depression and PTSD are five times more common in first responders than the general population

• 85% of first responders report symptoms related to mental health conditions

• Firefighters and police officers are more likely to die by suicide than while on duty.

The First Responders Foundation (FRF) says several factors exacerbate mental health challenges for first responders. The unpredictability and intensity of their work can lead to chronic stress.

There is also a cultural aspect: the expectation to maintain a ‘tough’ exterior can deter first responders from seeking help, fostering an environment where mental health issues are underreported. This stigma, combined with a lack of adequate mental health resources, makes it even more challenging for those in need to seek and receive support.

“Raising awareness about the mental health of first responders is crucial,” the FRF website states. “Acknowledging and addressing these issues not only supports their well-being but also ensures they can perform their duties effectively.”

Mental health support can take various forms, such as counseling services, peer support programs, and stress management training, the FRF says. Normalizing conversations around mental health and creating a supportive community culture where first responders can openly discuss their experiences and challenges without fear of judgment or repercussions is essential.

The local community can contribute by advocating for better mental health resources for first responders. Donations to mental health charities, participating in community events focused on first responder support and simply acknowledging the sacrifices these individuals make can have a profound impact. Additionally, policies and regulations that prioritize the mental health of first responders should be advocated for at the local and national levels.

This presentation is open to all first responders, their families and the general public on June 8th from 3 – 6 p.m. at the Ahmeek Village Hall. There is no fee to attend and registration is not required. Refreshments will be served.

Questions may be directed to Ahmeek Village Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department Assistant Fire Chief Michael Defina at KeweenawFireTraining@gmail.com.