Mental Health & First Responders
A career in emergency response intersects the valiant with vulnerability. Our first responders’ risk their own mental and physical well-being for all of our health and safety. This risk is manifested in numerous statistics demonstrating the higher rate of mental illness in the first responders community.
I recently had a Fire Fighter and College Instructor reach out to Danielle Counselling requesting an educational video to help psychologically prepare his students in emergency response programs. Police Officer Brian, Fireman Mike and Paramedic Andrew graciously provided their time and bravely shared their stories, allowing us to have a personal understanding of those “statistics” mentioned above. We were able to connect each of their experiences to important themes within their community as a whole, raise awareness and de-stigmatize mental illness and seeking mental health care, as well as explore preventative measures.
This project was both enlightening and inspiring. I am so grateful for this opportunity - thank you to our awesome team who gave of their time, energy, resources, expertise, and heart for this very important cause!
A huge special thanks to our Director and Editor, Chris Canning John Butler of Live Wire Media Theanna Vernon, our Research Assistant
Our first responders, Brian, Mike and Andrew. Many thanks, for this video, for your sacrifice and care.
And, Kirk Fudge, our producer. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this, to be able to offer back to the ones that serve us.
I hope you all enjoy!!
With a grateful heart,
Danielle
