Studies have shown that depression and PTSD are up to 5 times more common in first responders and that 85% of first responders have experienced symptoms related to mental health conditions. Most alarming of all, a first responder is more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
How we currently lead in first responder organizations is changing and the days of strict, authoritarian leadership styles are a thing of the past. Due to our changing working force and the abundance of data regarding first responder health/wellness, it is imperative that organizations adopt a more trauma-informed leadership style and implement organizational programs that address the physical, emotional, and mental health needs of their employees.
This webinar will examine the traditional leadership styles of first responder organizations and why we must evolve; discuss the key attributes of trauma-informed leadership for first responders; provide examples of wellness programming available to organizations, and provide tips on how to sell executive leadership on wellness programming.
Resources and Handouts
- Handout: Daily Self-Care Plan
- Handout: Weekly Self-Care Plan
- Handout: Monthly Self-Care Plan
- Handout: Self-Care Plan Example
- Resource Mentioned: Trauma Informed Leadership and Post Traumatic Growth by Koloroutis and Pole
Audience Comments
- “I loved hearing from a trauma-informed police officer.” — Bailey
- “The value of talking about trauma in the place without fear of consequence, and a trauma-sensitive leader can recognize opportunities for their staff to feel safe to express, learn and grow from and through their trauma experiences.” — Crystal
- “It was valuable to explore what attributes a trauma-informed leader should possess as well as what areas need to be addressed for a program to make an impact on its workers. I also appreciated the sharing of resources and literature. There should be standard mandatory on-going training required for anyone in a leadership position of this nature.” — Debra
- “Trauma-informed leadership as a leadership style. Have used it in the past, but wasn’t aware of the characteristics or that there was even a name for it!” — Toye
- “So much great information. The resources Darren provided will be helpful to look up later for continued self-learning. Thank you!” — Jessica
- “I found all of it valuable, but a takeaway for me was the importance of being visible and the six points that go with that.” — Julie
- “I just started with my new supervision role, overseeing our domestic violence advocates. I appreciate getting tips and my questions answered from Darren. It has really inspired me to be courageous and take control of my trauma-informed leadership style. Thank you!” — Maiv Tsua
- “Very good presenter with pertinent information. I liked how he stayed on task and still was able to make the points he needed.” — Mandee
