Mental Health Resources Available for First Responders

First responders are faced with a myriad of stressors that go beyond what the general population may experience. The phrase “fit for duty” for first responders has historically only accounted for good physical health for the duties related to one’s job. However, recent evidence-based research indicates that maintaining one’s behavioral health is equally important. The…

Maintain Healthy Lungs to Fight COVID-19

You are at higher risk of a deadly outcome from COVID-19 if you smoke. Smoking increases your risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and adversely affects your immune system. Now is the time to stop using tobacco, and to give up vaping and marijuana—whatever can deplete lung functioning. Many changes in society are likely…

Improve Depression Treatment with Talk Therapy

Talk to your doctor about adding talk therapy (counseling) to help treat depression more efficiently in addition to any pharmaceutical intervention you have been given. Talk therapy may 1) help you prevent negative self-talk scripts that are naturally associated with depression, but can make the condition feel worse; 2) assist you in feeling better faster…

COVID-19: Reducing Fear and Anxiety

Uncertainty about what’s going to happen with COVID-19 and its impact on everyone can have you feeling anxious and fearful. Whether you are concerned about your job or an elderly family member, getting food and supplies, or even getting sick yourself—you have an important goal: combat this stress and stay calm. Here’s how: 1) Practice…

Interim Guidance for EMS from CDC on COVID-19

By FF Scruggs You probably have already read this but just incase you did you should check it out This guidance applies to all first responders, including law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, and emergency management officials, who anticipate close contact with persons with confirmed or possible COVID-19 in the course of their work….

If your SICK! Stay home!!

by FF Scruggs A very important announcement from IAFF: for more info go to http://www.elpasofirefighters.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/doc_page.cfm&pageID=23256 If you do stay home the city got you covered COVID-19 Leave and Pay Code Guidelines: • These guidelines go into effect on March 17, 2020, and will continue during the pendency of the present COVID-19 health emergency, as determined…

Strengthen Your Immune System

Vaccinations may boost resistance, but cures for virus-based illnesses like the flu don’t exist. So, keep your immune system “tuned”—it’s the only one you’ve got! Boost your immune system with adequate sleep; getting recommended vaccinations; eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants; getting recommended exercise; washing your hands and maintaining good…

Something Happened, Should We Contact the EAP

We had a fire at one of our retail stores. It was a close call, but no one died. Two employees were hospitalized. Should I ask the EAP to visit the employees to deal with the trauma, talk to the hospital [staff], or refer the recovering employees to the EAP later? Contact the EAP to…