First Responders

Episode 052: Living Ideation: A New Approach to Suicide Prevention and Intervention

“Did you really want to die?"
"No one commits suicide because they want to die."
"Then why do they do it?"
"Because they want to stop the pain.”
― Tiffanie DeBartolo, How to Kill a Rock Star

There are many misconceptions floating around now surrounding suicide. I even subscribed to some of them at the beginning of this podcast journey, out of my own grief and misunderstanding.

Today, we flip some of those narratives on their heads with Dr. Steven Nicholas, Ed. D, MFT, NCC. Dr. Steve is taking an innovative approach to those seeking to end the pain by showing us that connection could be the key to keeping those who want to end the pain from dying by suicide. He details this idea (and more) in his new book "Living Ideation: A New Approach to Suicide Prevention and Intervention".

Episode 049: Dr. Kimberly Miller | Exploring Bias and Privilege

Talking about bias and discrimination can be difficult, but it is necessary conversation...especially for first responders. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kimberly Miller about her upcoming intensive course that is a no-blame, no-shame look at racism, privilege, implicit bias and ethics and is filled with tools, resources, and strategies on how you can heal relationships in your community, and establish trust and legitimacy.

Episode 048: NNPSN: Resilience In Uncertain Times

We are facing uncertain times with information changing by the minute. How is a first responder or hospital/EMS worker supposed to cope in the face of the COVID-19 crisis? In this raw and unedited episode (recorded in a firehouse...don't worry, we didn't touch anything), we sit down with Dr. Steve Nicholas, who is a trauma-informed clinician who works with first responders and Northern Nevada Peer Support Network President Derek Reid to discuss how to navigate this uncharted territory and how to show up for work and at home with a sense of purpose. We discuss anxiety, "spinning", and the danger of isolation and what you can do to find connection in the absence of physical connection. We all hope this helps!

Episode 047: NNPSP: Tami Burns - We are Human and Not Immune to Making Mistakes

As first responders and caretakers, we fall under some pretty heavy expectations. But sometimes we fail to realize that we are human and not immune to making mistakes.

In this episode, we sit down with the lovely Tami Burns. Tami is an experienced R.N. who found herself addicted to pain pills after being prescribed opioids after getting hurt. Tami tried to get help, but wasn't able to get the support she needed in time before things took a turn for the worst. But, Tami is resilient and found her way back to nursing after treatment and a little help from her nursing peers.

Tami is a spunky and warm person with a true heart of gold who tells us about her life as a helper and is very open, honest, and authentic with her journey. She finally realized she is not alone, and neither are you. Please listen to her story with an open mind and compassion.

Thank you Tami for choosing US to help you tell your story!

YOMF046: Northern Nevada Peer Support Network - NNPSN

First responders and healthcare workers are exposed to trauma at work on a daily basis. Some of the trauma is extreme; other traumatic events sneak up on the responder quietly and when they don't expect it.

That is why the concept of "peer support" is starting to take a place in firehouses, police stations, dispatch centers, and hospitals around the country. Contact with a peer support can help dramatically lessen the effect that a critical incident can have on a responder and may even prevent bigger post-trauma reactions down the road.

The Your Oxygen Mask First Podcast is happy to announce that we are partnering with the Northern Nevada Peer Support Network in an effort to bring awareness to the work peer support teams and individuals are doing, as well as highlight stories and helpful resources.

In this episode, we sit down with Derek Reid; the President and Founder of the Northern Nevada Peer Support Network to learn more about how peer support works and how the network is using "unity to find strength" to support our region's responders.

Episode 044: Michelle Dutro | Inner North Star a Non-profit offering PTSD Retreats for Veterans and First Responders

Our mantra is "you can't help others until you help yourself". And that is exactly what our guest Michelle Dutro is teaching those with PTSD at her retreat for Veterans and First Responders called Inner North Star.

Michelle is an Air Force Veteran, firefighter/EMT, and mental health clinician. In this episode, she explains why the decision to CHOOSE to be in the best mental health state possible is so important; for not only healing, but continuing to grow in your role in providing help to others in your own life. I highly enjoyed chatting with Michelle and she provides a nonsense philosophy to mental health!

Episode 043: Kevin Briggs | Guardian of the Golden Gate

Since it was erected in 1937, more than 1700 people are estimated to have jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge, and just 25 are known to have survived, according to Robert Olson of The Centre for Suicide Prevention in Calgary, Canada. But one man has talked over 200 people from making that leap into the abyss.

I am thrilled to be joined by Kevin Briggs; former CHP Trooper, Veteran and now author and speaker. Kevin knows loss and trauma and uses his skills of empathy, understanding, and listening to help the hopeless take a step off the ledge and back to humanity.

Episode 040: "Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel" by Dr. Stephanie Conn

May is Mental Health Awareness month and today we are excited to talk about first responder mental health with Dr. Stephanie Conn. Stephanie has done it all; as a law enforcement child, to dispatcher, then police officer, mental health clinician, and now an author! In her book "Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel", Stephanie looks at real-world issues first responders face and gives us practical solutions to apply in our every day lives.

Episode 29: Fitness, Health, and Wellness with Officer Ashley Smith

New Year, New You? If you are ready to set some health and wellness goals, listen up! In this episode, we are super excited to chat with the one and only Officer Ashely Smith! Not only is she a badass female police officer, but she is also a health and fitness dynamo and works every day to help others...whether it's on the beat or in everyday life fitness.

We also talk about the stigma surrounding being a social media queen as well as the challenges she has endured working her way up through a male-dominated profession. You will love hearing her authentic and direct words of wisdom...and she is pretty hilarious too.

Episode 28: Dr. Kimberly Miller - Stress Management

Are you struggling a bit dealing with the holidays? Is the stress too much to handle this season? And really, what is up with New Year's resolutions! Today, we meet back up with psychologist Dr. Kimberly Miller to explore ways to deal with family, cope with holiday stress, and other people's poop. Yes, poop. You won't want to miss it!