In this episode, Rachael Belcher shares her 27-year journey in the fire service, detailing her experiences from volunteering as an EMT to working as a paramedic with the Baltimore County Fire Department. Rachael's story takes us into her time on the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, the emotional toll of dealing with traumatic events, and her courageous decision to seek mental health treatment. She also discusses her mission to dismantle the stigma around seeking help and educate first responders about duty-bound grief.

You will learn:

• the importance of mental health
• techniques for building resilience
• and practical ways to thrive in a challenging profession

00:11 Meet Rachael Belcher

01:53 Rachael's Early Career in Fire Service

02:40 From Volunteer to Paramedic

09:45 Experiences During Hurricane Katrina

14:27 Lessons from the Gulf Coast

16:35 The Shift Before COVID

22:46 Seeking Help and Healing

29:07 Life After Treatment

32:08 Conclusion and Reflections

JEMS Article - Grief On the Front Line: Managing Our Hidden Wounds

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