Editor’s note: How does your agency measure up when it comes to wellness? Lexipol’s Wellness solutions help agencies deliver anonymous, 24/7 support, enhance peer support team readiness, and build a culture of wellness. Contact Lexipol at 844-312-9500 to learn more or request a demo.
Responders in Minneapolis faced an unthinkable tragedy after a school shooting inside a church left multiple children dead. For law enforcement, fire, EMS and others on scene, the emotional toll of responding to such violence is immense, underscoring the need for ongoing support and processing.
In this episode of The Brief: Wellness Edition, Emily Hitchings and Greg Friese discuss the role of wellness for first responders in the aftermath of a mass shooting. Hitchings, a former police officer who is now a first responder counselor, explains when the post-incident healing process can begin and how long it might last. Hitchings also tells supervisors what they can do to connect responders to culturally competent clinicians, peer support teams and promote healing with human connection.
“One of the best things you can do is embed culturally competent clinicians early.”
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About The Brief: Wellness Edition
The Brief: Wellness Edition video series explores the wellness implications of current events for public safety professionals. Each episode brings a timely conversation that connects unfolding events to the day-to-day realities of first responders.
