We are honored to welcome Calen Murphy, Senior Operations Director for Hospital Wing, to the podcast. With over 25 years in EMS, nursing, and air medical, Calen shares a profound perspective on resilience and leadership longevity in critical care. This conversation goes deep into the cumulative mental health toll of a decades-long career on the frontline.

Calen discusses the unseen mental burden of command in flight medicine and how the decisions of senior leadership impact the well-being of every paramedic and critical care transport nurse. We explore the essential shift from peer coping to executive resilience, and why setting strong personal boundaries is the key to sustaining a career past the 20-year mark without succumbing to burnout or trauma fatigue.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on managing operational stress, mitigating fatigue risk in 24/7 environments, and creating a personal blueprint for mental survival. If you are struggling with career longevity or stepping into a leadership role in pre-hospital or air ambulance service, Calen’s hard-won wisdom is required listening.

In this episode, Bernard Taylor shares his journey from being a firefighter to a viral content creator and now a congressional candidate. He discusses the importance of mental health, the challenges faced by first responders, and the systemic issues of poverty and education in America. Bernard emphasizes the need for genuine public service and the importance of community engagement in addressing these issues. He also highlights the role of humor in coping with the challenges of healthcare and public service, and the need for better mental health resources for first responders and the general public.

Takeaways

Bernard Taylor transitioned from firefighter to content creator and now runs for Congress.

He emphasizes the importance of mental health in the first responder community.

Bernard's journey reflects the challenges of balancing family, work, and public service.

He advocates for addressing poverty and crime through systemic change.

Education is crucial for critical thinking and breaking the cycle of poverty.

Bernard highlights the need for mental health resources in healthcare and first responders.

He believes in the power of humor to cope with the challenges of public service.

The current healthcare system is flawed and needs reform.

Bernard's mother inspired his heart for service and empathy for others.

He encourages young people to consider careers in public service.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bernard Taylor

02:51 From Firefighter to Content Creator

06:01 The Call to Public Service

09:04 Running for Congress: A New Journey

12:03 Understanding the Congressional Process

14:59 Balancing Family, Work, and Mental Health

18:03 The Importance of Humor in Healthcare

20:56 Addressing Poverty and Crime

23:55 Education and Its Impact on Society

27:00 The Need for Mental Health Resources

29:51 The Role of First Responders in Community Health

32:53 The Future of Healthcare and First Responders

36:03 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

In this engaging conversation, Trae Stein shares his unique journey to becoming a firefighter-paramedic, discussing the emotional toll of the job, the importance of communication skills, and the impact of social media on first responders. He emphasizes the significance of family support and coping mechanisms, particularly the role of sleep and exercise in maintaining mental health. Trae also reflects on the challenges of navigating trauma and the importance of treating patients with kindness and respect, regardless of the circumstances.

Takeaways

• Trae's journey into emergency services was unconventional, starting as a paramedic before becoming a firefighter.
• The emotional toll of the job can be significant, especially when dealing with traumatic incidents.
• Communication skills are crucial in emergency services, impacting patient interactions and outcomes.
• Humor can be a vital coping mechanism for first responders in high-stress situations.
• Social media can be a double-edged sword for first responders, offering both a platform for education and a source of negativity.
• Family support plays a critical role in managing the challenges of the job.
• Prioritizing sleep and exercise is essential for mental health in the emergency services profession.
• Accidents are often unpredictable, and it's important to approach each situation with empathy.
• Trae emphasizes treating every patient with respect, regardless of their circumstances.
• Coping mechanisms, such as listening to audiobooks, can help manage stress and anxiety.

titles

• The Journey of a Firefighter Paramedic
• Navigating the Emotional Toll of EMS

Sound Bites

• "This job will make you tough."
• "I try to prioritize exercise."
• "Nice doctors do not get sued."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Trae Stein and His Journey

03:02The Path to Becoming a Firefighter Paramedic

06:02The Emotional Toll of Emergency Services

11:44Understanding Communication in High-Stress Situations

14:34The Impact of Environment on Emergency Response

17:35Maintaining Compassion in Crisis

20:40The Role of Humor in Emergency Services

23:28Navigating the Challenges of the Job

26:17Effective Communication Techniques

29:02Conclusion and Final Thoughts

35:20Understanding Patient Emotions

38:10The Importance of Communication in Healthcare

39:36Navigating social media as a First Responder

50:47The Impact of Parenthood on Professional Life

58:23Balancing Identity as a Paramedic and a Parent