After first responders in Spring Hill, Florida, were called to the home of 65-year-old Ralph McCrory, they surprised everyone by going above and beyond the call of duty. According to ABC News, McCrory had been mowing his yard in high heat when he began to feel like he was having a heart attack. The Hernando County EMTs and fire crews responded to his wife's emergency call.
The EMT crew discovered that the man had a heart condition and it would take him four days to mow his yard. Upon hearing this, the firefighters stayed behind while the EMTs took McCrory to the hospital.
"The firefighters told his wife that they'd like to help out and asked where the lawnmower was," Hernando County Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Kevin Carroll told ABC News. "They stayed and it took about 30 minutes to cut the grass, which was about two-feet high."
ABC News also reported that a neighbor took a picture of the firefighters' kind act and that photograph has now gone viral. The fire crew told ABC Action News that they never intended to get recognition for their good deed. In their minds, it was all part of serving their community.
Firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians are often the first on the scenes of disasters. Their bravery and service may lead them to witness disturbing sights or deal with emotionally challenging situations. These experiences may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. This mental condition can make it difficult for first responders to do their jobs and participate fully in everyday activities. For any first responder who may be experiencing the symptoms of PTSD, there are many organizations and programs designed to help these community servicemembers recover.
1. 1st Responder Treatment
This program was designed specifically to address PTSD in first responders. Health care professionals teach firefighters, police officers and EMTs how to cope with job-related stress. For religious first responders, the program also offers a Christian-oriented version of the healing process.
2. First Responder Support Network
This resource provides first responders with information about PTSD support groups in their area. First Responder Support Network also hosts retreats for people in these career fields. What is different about this program is that it is almost entirely a peer support network. First responders help one another work through PTSD and issues related to job-induced stress, but there is still the option to speak with mental health professionals and religious leaders.
3. Badge of Life
An unfortunate reality is that many first responders do not know where to seek help for PTSD or may not want to ask for assistance. This can result in first responder suicide. Badge of Life is committed to providing first responders with the counseling and support they need to recover from their job-related trauma. It not only focuses on suicide prevention and mental health support, but it was created to improve the quality of life for first responders.
4. The Station House Retreat
Located in Boynton Beach, Florida, the Station House Retreat is a PTSD recovery program designed by first responders for other first responders. The relaxing environment is meant to encourage firefighters, police officers and EMTs to share their experiences with job-related trauma and help one another heal.
5. Lifescape Solutions
Not only does this treatment facility offer counseling and support for PTSD, but it also provides treatment for PTSD-related drug abuse in first responders. Lifescape Solutions is designed to feel like a home environment to encourage relaxation and sharing. Here, first responders can engage in small group or individual therapy sessions as well as a number of alternative treatments.
6. Safe Call Now
Unlike like the previous programs, Safe Call Now is not a program. It is a 24-hour hotline that was created for first responders. Firefighters, EMTs and police officers who are experiencing trouble due to job-related trauma can call this number at any time for crisis-referral. First responders who call will be directed to a counseling or suicide prevention service, depending on the situation.
Even though first responders are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder than those in most other careers, there are a number of resources available to help them cope and overcome the mental disorder.
Firefighters rarely get the recognition they deserve, but on Aug. 23, the city of Wichita, Kansas, recognized some of its first responders for their efforts. At the fifth annual Medal's Day ceremony, Lt. Rob Kanaga was given a medal of valor and named Firefighter of the Year. Kanaga was awarded for the bravery he displayed during a March fire. While his team was working on putting out the flames, Kanaga discovered there was one person left inside the building. He went into the flames to save the person's life.
Kanaga was very humble upon receiving the award.
"I was very excited after I was nominated [for Firefighter of the Year]," he told KWCH News. "It's a very prestigious award. Obviously when I was on scene, I wasn't the only one acting that day. To facilitate that rescue, there were around 50 other people on scene at the time that allowed me to make that rescue."
Kanaga's partner, Seth Goodin, was one of those 50 people. Goodin was also among those who received honors. Over 40 more firefighters were honored for their service to the community, their day-to-day bravery and their dedication to protecting the lives of civilians in Kansas.
Firefighters have a reputation for saving lives and serving their community. Most of the time they do this by fighting fires and risking their own safety for the safety of others. One group of firefighters recently took their commitment to service even further on Aug. 23. During the sixth annual OhioHealth Emerald City Half and Quarter Marathon in Dublin, Ohio, firefighters from Delaware City, Washington, ran in full fire gear.
The group is part of the First Due Endurance Race Team, and the Dublin Half Marathon was their fourth race together. They tackled the distance in teams of two, splitting the race into 2-mile segments. The group competes to raise money and awareness for the charity Run for Fallen Heroes, which is part of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, an organization that provides support and assistance to families of fallen firefighters. As the final mile approached, the entire team came together to finish at the same time.
"When you see them come across the finish line it's not a dry eye in the house," David Babner, the Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon race director, told WISH-TV.
Being a first responder is a tough job. Firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians put their lives on the line to ensure the continued safety of their communities. These individuals go about their jobs without expecting praise, but one Ohio amusement park dedicates two days every year to thanking first responders. Kings Island, the largest amusement park in the Midwest, is the host of Fire and Safety days.
This year's Fire and Safety days will take place on Aug. 29 and 30. The park will offer free admission to all active duty first responders. Firefighters, emergency medical technicians and police officers must present a valid form of identification to receive this offer. Kings Island will accept badges if they are accompanied by a photo ID. First responders will also have the option to purchase up to six admission tickets for their family and friends at almost half the original price.
During Fire and Safety days, park guests will have the opportunity to learn CPR, explore emergency vehicles and learn safety tips. In addition to those activities, the first 1,000 kids to enter the park will be given a fire hat of their own.
First responders in the Detroit metropolitan area are some of the hardest working first responders in the nation. These individuals sacrifice their time and put themselves on the line to make the community a safer place for civilians. The Detroit Lions found a way to thank these hardworking individuals for their service and commitment.
At their practice on Aug. 17, the Detroit Lions hosted about 1,500 first responders. The practice, the team's second away from its home field, was held at Edsel Ford High. The school's stands were full of local firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians. The practice, which is normally closed to the public, serves as the final training camp preparation outside the Allen Park facility.
The Lions management and the players invited the 1,500 first responders from the surrounding area for a private viewing of the practice as a gesture of gratitude.
"To have an opportunity to visit with them, talk with them, share this night with them, is pretty special," Jim Caldwell, the Lions coach, told The Detroit News. "I don't think until there's some sort of a national catastrophe that they actually get their due and respect."
On Monday, Aug. 17, the Pentagon announced it would be sending active duty military personnel to assist with wildfires in the western part of the country. About 95 fires are burning across seven states, including California, Washington, Nevada and Colorado. The wildfires have scoured over 1 million acres of land and have cost the Forest Service about $100 million every week. Many people have been forced to evacuate their homes in the areas. In California alone, 13,000 firefighters are stretched thin while combating 19 large fires.
The Pentagon has dedicated 200 active duty personnel to assist the firefighters. According to CNN, military servicemembers have only been engaged to fight fires 35 times in the last 30 years, and this is the first time since the early 2000s. The military personnel will take over the smaller, less aggressive fires.
"[The soldiers' assistance] is important because it frees up our more experienced crews to handle more complex dangerous fire situations," Ken Frederick, the National Interagency Fire Center spokesperson, told CNN.
The 200 soldiers will be divided into 10 groups of 20 members and deployed across the region. The soldiers' presence will not only take pressure off the civilian firefighters, but it will alleviate some of the stress on the Forest Service budget.
On Aug. 22, Deer Grove East Forest Preserve in Palatine, Illinois, will host the First Responders Family Fest 2015. The event was created to give first responders and their families a day of fun in thanks for their service to the community. There will be a youth run and a 5K walk/run. Local firefighters, police officers and EMTs will compete with locals in the First Responders Obstacle Course Challenge.
Vendors and local sponsors will have demonstrations that showcase the daily service and sacrifice of first responders. One of the sponsors is even raffling off a big-screen television. There will also be a tug-of-war competition between local police and fire crews, and the day will end with an all-inclusive water balloon fight. The winner of the events will be awarded with a trophy and half the event's proceeds. The second- and third-place winners will also receive a trophy.
From 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., first responders and their families are able to relax, enjoy the day and receive praise from the citizens they serve every day. The event is free, but registration is required for some of the events.
For more information on the event, click here.
Active duty military personnel and first responders have some of the most stressful careers. The day-to-day demands of their jobs can sometimes cause that stress to trickle over into off-duty life. AFBA has compiled eight activities to help servicemembers and first responders relax.
1. Practice some yoga
Yoga is great for relaxation because it is low impact but it still releases pent-up energy from your body. It is an activity that forces you to focus inwardly and shut out the rest of the world. Not many yoga routines exceed a half-hour, so you can do a quick session after work to leave behind the stress from the day.
2. Read a book
Sometimes you just need to leave reality behind. Books are the perfect way to transport yourself into a different world and take a glimpse into someone else's life for a while. Aside from providing an excellent distraction, reading is scientifically proven to have a calming effect on the mind.
3. Engage with music
There are many ways in which music can help you de-stress. One of the simpler ones is to put on some headphones and crank up your favorite tunes. Focusing on the rhythm and lyrics can help you forget about any anxiety from the day. Dancing is another relaxing activity involving music. Whether you go to a club or just cut a rug in your own home, dancing helps you shake off stress and let loose. A third option for de-stressing with music is to play an instrument. Many people find that strumming a guitar or tapping on a keyboard relieves frustration and relaxes them.
4. Do some exercise
Scientists have backed physical activity as a way to relieve stress for decades. However, as military personnel or a first responder, your job can sometimes be physically demanding. You may not have the energy to go for a run after a long shift. Don't worry. A walk around the block or an easy bike ride through the park can have the same relaxing effect.
5. Play with pets
If you own a cat or dog, take some time when you get home to snuggle or play fetch. Giving attention to your furry friend can help you let go of the pressures of the day and enjoy a social interaction with no ulterior motive. Even if you live in a place where pets are not allowed, you can volunteer at your local shelter to clock some time with a cuddly critter or two.
6. Visit your favorite place
Everyone has that spot that immediately makes them happy. Maybe it is a secret bench in the park or a rooftop with a great view. Wherever you find peace and comfort, take an evening and spend some down time there. You are sure to unwind where you feel most at home.
7. Take a drive
As long as you do not venture out during rush hour, driving can be a relaxing activity. If the weather is nice, crank up your radio and roll down your windows. A drive through a scenic area of town could be just the thing to help you forget about your worries.
8. Cook a meal
You have to eat anyway, right? Instead of ordering take-out, spend some time experimenting in the kitchen. The novelty of preparing a meal you have never tried will encourage your creativity and may distract you from the pressures of your day. Additionally, biting into your delicious concoction will eradicate whatever stress may have followed you home.
As military personnel or a first responder, stress may be an inevitable part of the job. However, that does not mean it has to ruin your off-duty time. Find out which of the eight activities above work best for you and use them to help you unwind.
For military personnel and first responders, transfers are always possible. It can be difficult to leave behind the life you have established in one city or area. It can be even harder to say goodbye to friends and stationmates. These individuals have been through similar experiences and you have formed close bonds. However, your career is one where moving may not be an option. Making friends in a new base or station house can be difficult, but it can also make the adjustment easier. AFBA has outlined some tips to assist you in meeting new people after a transfer.
1. Take advantage of technology
There are plenty of websites dedicated to helping people meet for a romantic relationship, and this is equally true for those seeking new platonic relationships. Before you move, join a friend finding website and look for people in the same line of work as you in your new area. Who knows? You may even establish a connection at your new base or station before you make the transfer. There are also apps designed to help people meet new friends. The apps ask you to list your interests and then generate a list of activities where like-minded people will be hanging out. Technology can connect you with people in your new area long before you ever move.
2. Step out of your comfort zone
Sometimes this is easier said than done, but it is an effective way to make new friends. Join an organization that involves your interests to establish connections with people who enjoy the same things you do. You can also find classes, either fitness-oriented or hobby-based, and use them as a way to introduce yourself to a new group of people. The fear of rejection keeps most people from reaching out to those around them, but if you can overcome this feeling, you will find yourself in a position to make plenty of new friends.
3. Get old fashioned
Not many people know their neighbors anymore. When you get to your new base or station house, do not be afraid to make the rounds. Introduce yourself to your new neighbors and stationmates. You may not make friends with all of them, but at least you have established a connection and opened the lines of communication. Most people will probably appreciate your outgoingness and welcome you into your new community. Another great opportunity to make new friends is to host a housewarming cookout on base or invite your new stationmates out to dinner. A meal is an easy way for people to connect.
Relocating is stressful for most people, but it can be especially difficult for military personnel and first responders. You have built friendships around common experiences and interests, and the memories you have made with your current friends on base and stationmates are difficult to replicate. However, establishing successful friendships is an important part of adjusting to a new base or station. By following the advice listed above, you may have an easier time making friends in your new location.