You Are Your Own First Responder

In the hands of an untrained person, a gun becomes more deadly because of accidents. In the hands of a trained person, it can become a life-saving tool. The average police response time, according to FBI data, is eight to twenty minutes before the police will even arrive.

For example, we could use the recent mass shooting in the Allen Texas Mall north of Dallas. A police officer working an unrelated call was already on the scene at Allen Mall. The suspect opened fire at 3:34 PM, but the first officer could not find or engage the suspect until 3:40 PM! I commend his brave actions, but six minutes under fire is a long time to wait for help to arrive! He was on scene and did not hesitate, but it still took a few minutes for him to stop the threat.

“This video shows how quickly a routine interaction with the public turned into a life-and-death situation,” said Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey. “The officer recognized the danger, ran toward the gunfire, and neutralized the threat – and for his actions, the Allen community is forever grateful.”

Soft Targets

Our world has become disheartening, with “soft targets” being present everywhere in public, leaving us more vulnerable to this risk. I am not saying we need to be paranoid, but we need to be more aware of our surroundings, especially in public. Homeland Security created a series of videos called “Run, Hide, Fight” concerning workplace attacks, but anyone can apply them anywhere. Carry “Pepper Spray,” a “Pocketknife,” or a “Gun.” Anything is better than nothing!

For those who abdicated, removing all “firearms,” many of the recent mass incidents of loss of life did not require the person(s) to use a “firearm.” Anyone who has undergone any law enforcement or military training will verify that if a person(s) is willing to trade their life for yours, only your self-defense actions can stop them, nothing else!

Get Training and Practice

If you are going to own a “firearm,” get some professional training and practice! Just because you have shot a “firearm” doesn’t mean you can use it well or will be able to in extreme life or death situations.

The Navy Seals have a saying: “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast,” meaning that if you practice, it becomes second nature. If you own a “firearm” for self-protection, practice with it as if it will save your life because one day it just might! On our challenge coin, which we give to our Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) and CCW renewal students, is a saying,

“I train not to be a hero, but I refuse to be a victim.”

What are the signs of PTSD in first responders?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The nature of their work exposes first responders to distressing situations like accidents, violence, and fatalities, which can lead to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. These traumatic experiences can manifest as symptoms of PTSD, including:

Intrusive Memories

Recurring and distressing thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks of traumatic incidents.

Avoidance Behavior

Efforts to avoid reminders of the trauma, including people, places, or activities associated with the event.

Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition

Feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating and remembering.

Heightened Arousal

Increased irritability, hypervigilance, and an exaggerated startle response.

How does PTSD affect the workplace?

The presence of PTSD within departments can have several adverse effects on both the affected personnel and the overall workplace environment.

Job Performance

People dealing with PTSD may struggle with decision-making, concentration, and emotional regulation, affecting their ability to perform their duties effectively.

Interpersonal Relationships

The emotional toll of PTSD can strain relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and even family members.

Reduced Coping Skills

People may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or isolation, without proper support.

Stigma and Barriers to Seeking Help

Fear of stigma and repercussions might discourage people from seeking help for their mental health struggles.

What coping strategies work best for PTSD?

To address PTSD in police departments and with other first responders, it’s crucial to foster a work environment that prioritizes mental health and provides adequate support.

Education and Awareness

Training programs can help raise awareness of PTSD, its symptoms, and the importance of seeking help. This reduces stigma and promotes a culture of understanding.

Access to Counseling Services

Offering confidential and specialized counseling services ensures people have a safe space to discuss their experiences and receive professional support.

Peer Support Programs

Establishing peer support networks allows people to talk to colleagues who have experienced similar situations, creating a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

Regular Mental Health Check-ins

Incorporating routine mental health assessments can help identify signs of PTSD early and provide timely interventions.

Flexible Work Policies

Allowing personnel to take breaks, seek support, and access resources when needed can reduce stress and promote a healthier work-life balance.

Resilience Training

Providing personnel with training in stress management and resilience-building techniques equips them with the tools to cope effectively with traumatic experiences.

Addressing PTSD in first responders requires a proactive approach that acknowledges people’s challenges and provides a comprehensive support system. By prioritizing mental health awareness, breaking down stigma, and fostering a supportive work environment, departments can ensure the well-being of their personnel while maintaining a resilient and effective workforce. Ultimately, this approach benefits individual first responders and contributes to safer and stronger communities.