Every day, firefighters are forced to think quickly and make good decisions in a rush. It is part of their jobs. A recent study by Kathleen Sutcliffe, a Johns Hopkins University professor, outlined how management teams in big organizations could learn crisis management from firefighters. Sutcliffe broke firefighter processes into two sections, which she called "anomalizing" and "proactive leader sensemaking." When fighting fires, crews must keep a vigilant watch on the situation at hand. Sutcliffe described the second half of the process as when the designated leaders in the unit assess the knowledge gathered in part one in order to act quickly when something changes or goes wrong.
The business world can be as unpredictable, though far less dangerous, as a fire. Sutcliffe suggested that if business leaders studied the decision-making techniques of firefighters during a highly stressful event, they could prepare to handle unpredictable situations that arise in their offices. Some of the firefighters Sutcliffe interviewed stated that no matter how much experience you have, every fire is different and presents different challenges.
In her report, Sutcliffe wrote, "In a complex, uncertain environment, as in a wildfire or any organizational crisis, the challenge is that a lot of information is coming at you, but it's ambiguous."
If business professionals approached their workdays like firefighters approach a fire, their preparedness for crises would improve exponentially.
Reintegration is the most difficult part of life after service for many veterans. Troubles with finances, employment and mental health can hinder their transition. However, a transit company in Riverside, California, is launching a program that will help veterans improve their lives after the military. 211 Vet, a program made possible by grants from The Federal Transit Administration of the U.S. Department of Education, is a website dedicated to helping veterans find transportation that will help them overcome the aforementioned troubles.
The site is a trip planner designed to assist veterans with finding local bus routes and creating travel itineraries to take them to services geared toward helping veterans transition to civilian life. Many of these services include job training, counseling sessions and housing assistance. 211 Vet also has an option for disabled veterans to request curb-to-curb and driver assistance. The creators of the program hope that by making transportation simple, veterans will use the service to seek out the help they may need. They stated that veterans tend to avoid assistance, so by making the process of seeking help a little easier, they are hoping more veterans will find the services they need. 211 Vet's official launch is scheduled for October or November 2015.
It is common knowledge that many veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder when they return from combat. A lesser-known fact is that first responders can experience PTSD as well. The scenes that firefighters, police officers and paramedics witness every day can cause psychological strain. Camp Hope, a Houston-based organization that provides temporary housing for veterans as they seek counseling for PTSD, is extending its services to include first responders.
Many first responders will not seek counseling for their struggles for fear of appearing weak to their co-workers. The PTSD Foundation of America, the organization that sponsors Camp Hope, is hoping to change that misconception by organizing peer-to-peer counseling off city property. This provides a safe, judgment-free zone for first responders to talk about their issues with someone who has been in their shoes.
David Maulsby, the executive director of the PTSD Foundation of America, told KHOU news, "What works beautifully in the veteran side is peer-to-peer. So it's one veteran who's been there, has now gotten some help and can help the next guy come home. That same concept will work as well within first responders."
The peer counseling sessions are held biweekly and provide first responders with the opportunity to help one another through the difficulties of the job.
Memphis native Melvin McCoy, the first person on record to walk across Death Valley in the summertime without vehicle assistance, is on the road again. To raise money and awareness for veterans issues such as homelessness and struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, McCoy and his dog, Maxwell, are walking from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Washington, D.C. The journey will take the pair over 500 miles along stretches of highway where the heat index can get over 100. McCoy is being sponsored by Alpha Omega, a veterans services organization based in Memphis.
McCoy and Maxwell started their walk on July 3 and average about 10 miles a day. They still have about one month left before they reach the final destination. Along the way, McCoy is talking with veterans to get their perspective.
"I'm having a lot of conversations with veterans as I make this crossing and I'm getting a lot of input and what their concerns are so we'll certainly have some measure of statement. We're not political. We just want people to be aware and be supportive," McCoy told WJHL News.
You can follow McCoy and Maxwell's daily progress on Twitter by following @melvinthemule.
Firefighters are notorious for forming a deep bond with their station mates. When firefighter Kyle Jameson was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, this stereotype was proven true as his entire station came to his support. When Jameson started to lose his hair as a result of the treatments, The Hampton Fire Department in New Hampshire decided to host a community gathering to help him through. Jameson's fellow firefighters did not want him to feel alone in his battle, so they sponsored an event where people from the area could come shave their heads in show of support for Jameson.
"There really are no words to express how I feel. It's unbelievable, and it takes your words away," Jameson told Seacoast Online.
The chief of the fire department said his unit was like a family and that they showed the same amount of support when his wife was diagnosed with cancer. The Hampton FD also sold T-shirts and raffle tickets to a Red Sox game to raise money for Jameson and his family. About 100 people from Hampton and the surrounding communities came out to get their heads shaved and support Jameson. He is currently in remission but is continuing treatments.
The Martin Jetpack is already groundbreaking in its technological capabilities. In fact, Time magazine called it one of the top 50 inventions of 2010. And first responders in New Zealand and Australia may have found a way to increase its value. These officials took the jetpack, which was originally intended for transportation, and began testing its potential in emergency situations. The "shakedown" tests of the jetpack involve testing it in fire rescue missions where it is too dangerous for foot traffic and an aerial spotter for disaster scenes.
First responders have already begun to use drones for these purposes, but the Martin Jetpack is superior because its mobility is paired with the intelligence of a human operator. It is even equipped with a remote control option should the pilot become incapacitated during flight. The jetpack also outshines helicopters because it is more compact and has the ability to reach locations where a helicopter would not fit.
The inventors of the Martin Jetpack have yet to announce plans for the technology once the testing phase is complete, but they have suggested that partnerships with major emergencies response unit might be next. This would allow first responders to test the applicability of the jetpack in everyday, real-life emergency situations.
The sacrifices made by the men and women who serve our country are innumerable. When they transition from combat, these veterans can sometimes struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and feelings of anxiety or depression. However, there are many programs in place to help veterans with any issues that may arise in their life after service. Listed below are six major programs and organizations with the mission to help veterans.
1. Pets for Vets
Animal trainer Clarissa Black founded this program as a way to rescue shelter animals and give back to the country's heroes. Pet for Vets rescues dogs from shelters across the country and trains them to be companion and therapy animals. Veterans who apply for a pet are interviewed to determine which dog would align with their needs. Once the dogs are paired with their vet, they are trained to accommodate that veteran's specific needs. This could mean training the dog to get used to wheelchairs or handling behaviors associated with PTSD. Pets for Vets is committed to saving shelter animals that will potentially save a veteran.
2. Warrior Songs, Inc.
This nonprofit organization uses the creative arts as a way for veterans to heal. Warrior Songs, Inc. offers programs like singing, painting and pottery through which veterans can express any emotions they may have about their service that they cannot express verbally. In this program, veterans are offered the chance to attend a four-day retreat where they can share their experiences with other veterans through art. The organization also hosts the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival every year in order to promote art as a method of healing for veterans.
3. Heroes and Horses
In this program, veterans can participate in a free month-long retreat at a horse ranch in Three Forks, Montana. During the retreat, veterans are taught horse riding skills and given the opportunity to bond with the animals. Heroes and Horses' main goal is to teach self-efficacy to the veterans in a way that also promotes healing. They do this through their three-stage process, which includes stress inoculation, application and integration.
4. Warrior Hike
For physically driven veterans, Warrior Hike provides a chance to heal through hiking. The program supports veterans who want to hike America's National Scenic Trails as a way to make peace with their combat experiences. Warrior Hike provides these veterans with the supplies and equipment necessary to complete treks like the 2,185-mile-long Appalachian Trail. The program also coordinates with veterans along the trails to provide lodging and support for the hikers.
5. Project Healing Waters
Founded in 2005, this nationwide program teaches veterans how to fly fish. The close proximity to nature helps veterans heal mentally and emotionally. Additionally, Project Healing Waters hosts fly fishing competitions to promote friendly competition between veterans and teach them about setting goals.
6. Boots to Business
In partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Boots to Business is geared toward business-oriented veterans. It is a three-step program that teaches entrepreneurial practices and tactics to veterans with small business ambitions. The SBA offers two courses in the Boots to Business program. Introduction to Entrepreneurship is a three-day classroom program where veterans learn the basics of entrepreneurship, create business goals and share successes. Foundations of Entrepreneurship is an eight-week online program where veterans create business plans and learn the techniques for opening their own businesses.
Though veterans face many challenges upon their return from duty, there are many programs available to assist them. Life after service does not have to be a daunting prospect. The six organizations listed above are just a few of many designed to help veterans get the most out of civilian life.
Upon their return from service, many veterans experience feelings of isolation and alienation. These feelings make it difficult for former servicemembers to adjust to life after service. Heroes and Horses is committed to changing that. The program invites veterans from across the country to a remote horse ranch in the Montana wilderness where they will complete a month-long, three-step healing process. The program costs nothing for the veterans, and they will participate in activities like horsemanship training, a horseback camping trip across the Beartooth Mountains and working with a wilderness outfitter.
A certified riding instructor with the program stated that the horses help veterans see how their behaviors can affect their environments. The animals provide a bond that is free of judgment or expectation.
Local VA recreational therapist Marian Skomsky told The Times Tribune, "There's a lot the veterans can learn from the horses — self-awareness, pride, self-confidence — as they master and develop a relationship with the horses."
Heroes and Horses removes the veterans from the comfort of their family and friends to teach self-efficacy and work force skills. To participate in the program, veterans can fill out an application or be referred by the American Legion or VA.
Being a first responder means that you have to be alert and prepared most of the time. Your job comes with a high amount of stress, and your success depends on how well you cope with that stress. It is important to use your free time to decompress from the demands of your job. The suggestions below are meant to help you unwind from a tough day in order to gear up for the next.
1. Exercise
It may seem counterproductive since your job is often physically demanding, but exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which are your brain's natural mood enhancers. You do not need to run 5 miles. Any amount of physical activity will get your blood pumping and send the message to your brain to release those stress-relieving chemicals. All it takes is a walk around the block or a quick yoga session.
2. Read
There is nothing more relaxing than curling up with a good book. Neuropsychologists with the University of Sussex claimed that reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68 percent. This is because your focus is shifted from your stress to the writing. So, it does not matter if you prefer fiction or nonfiction. Just crack the spine and let your mind drift into the story.
3. Unplug
Technology may seem like a good way to unwind, but in fact, it can increase your stress levels. When you are off duty, spend 15 to 30 minutes without electronics. Turn off the television and put away your phone and computer. Leaving the outside world behind for a short time can help you reset internally and gives you more time with your family.
4. Laugh
Nothing drains your sense of humor like a bad day on the job. However, a hearty chuckle can turn it all around. The Mayo Clinic stated that laughter is one of the best stress relievers. Consider turning on your favorite sitcom or reading a funny comic strip to inspire laughter after work. On the weekends, you could purchase tickets to a comedy club or take your family to a humorous movie.
5. Hydrate
Being properly hydrated reduces the levels of cortisol, a stress-causing hormone, your body produces. Make sure you are drinking enough fluid when you are at home to prevent dehydration. If you are not in the mood for water, tea is a good alternative as it is a natural stress reducer and helps hydrate your body. It is also smart to reduce your caffeine intake. While caffeine may seem like the solution to helping you power through those long, tough days, it can actually create more stress on your body.
According to Forbes, first responders have some of the most stressful careers in the workforce. The daily demand of the job takes a physical and mental toll, so it is important to find ways to decompress in your free time. The list above is an excellent resource for those who are looking to de-stress.
Serving in the military can be a rewarding adventure, but it is not without its difficulties. Transitioning to life after service is one of these. Many veterans struggle with adjusting to the different structure of civilian life and connecting with people who have vastly different life experiences than they do. Consider the following tips to help with the potentially daunting transition from military life.
1. Find a hobby
This is an activity you can control. Whether you choose fishing, knitting, cooking or collecting stamps, you decide when you want to engage in the activity and how you approach it. A hobby gives you a relaxing escape from the stresses of your transition period and helps you fill the free time you may not be accustomed to.
2. Start an exercise routine
A common complaint from veterans struggling to adjust to civilian life is that they miss the adrenaline rush and physical challenges of combat. One way to prevent yourself from experiencing this feeling is to create an exercise routine. Search around locally and join an intramural team. This is good for fulfilling your athletic needs as well as establishing a camaraderie similar to the one you shared in combat. Hiking and swimming are also great sports to take up for the physical challenge, and programs like Warrior Hike are great for assisting veterans in the transition to civilian life.
3. Make a list of goals
You are coming from an extremely organized and regimented lifestyle. It is OK to bring some of your military habits with you into your new life. Create a plan for yourself. It does not matter if it is just a year-long plan or a five-year plan. Just set goals for what you want from a career and a family and establish checkpoints to help yourself meet them.
4. Avoid developing unhealthy habits
Many veterans turn to vices to help them cope with trauma or stress they may have experienced. This only makes the transition to civilian life more difficult. Limit your use of cigarettes and alcohol, and do not get involved with illegal substances. Staying out late frequently is another detrimental practice, and the lack of sleep will only add to your stress. If you choose to use alcohol or tobacco, do so moderately, and try to get a good night's sleep often.
5. Reach out to other veterans
It is important to remember that you are not alone in your challenges. There are others going through similar struggles, and you may be able to help one another. Connect with other veterans at your local Vet Center. Here you will find people who will listen to and understand your difficulties and help you celebrate your triumphs. Additionally, VA Hospitals have professionals trained to understand the stresses veterans may experience and help them work through them.
Transitioning to civilian life after service can be a challenge. It can also be a rewarding experience filled with new opportunities and adventures. You are starting a new chapter in your life. It should be a time of excitement, not stress. Keep the above suggestions in mind to help you through this process.