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We all know that eating right and taking care of ourselves helps our minds and bodies perform at their best. This is especially important as first responders, since people depend on FRs mental sharpness and physical strength to keep them safe. We know we should prioritize making good choices, but it can be so easy to fall into unhealthy patterns. One easy way to combat this is to follow the scout’s rule: be prepared! We’ve rounded up some tips and ideas to help you plan ahead to keep your head clear and energy level stable.
Be Prepared! Plan Ahead to Help Your “Future Self”
Going grocery shopping on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster, right? Willpower and sound decision making skills are hard to find when you’re hungry, and before you know it, your cart can be filled with too much junk food that just sounds good in the moment. Keep that in mind when it comes to planning your meals and eating routines both at work and at home–making a good decision in the moment is easier when you’ve planned for it rather than being taken by surprise. Spend some time now thinking about how to best support yourself in the future to make better choices.
Substance Abuse in First Responders
Take a deep dive into understanding substance abuse in first responders, including info on dependency, awareness, prevention, resources, and more. This free webinar is led by Brad Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer at Warrior’s Rest Foundation.
The combination of experiencing stress and being very busy can be a tough one for making great nutrition choices. First responders are often limited in the time they have to get food as well as the options available to them. Quick calories often come with a lot of sugar or saturated fats or caffeine, all of which are fine in moderation but may ultimately be counterintuitive for the difficult work that first responders need to do.
Keeping the strength and stamina of first responders high while also supporting their holistic nutritional health is something that agencies can do to lighten the load for their teams. If you’ve traditionally provided snacks or if your teams buy groceries together, you have the room to influence nutrition in a way that can help prevent injury and discomfort over time as well as giving your employees the needed energy for their challenging work.
Brandon Griffith is the founder & CEO of Griffith Blue Heart Nonprofit which specializes in preparing, training, and equipping law enforcement for resuscitation emergencies like cardiac arrest and hemorrhage control. Brandon is an Arizona police officer, multi-disciplined instructor, former EMT, and an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest survivor.
In this episode, they discuss the issue of cardiac arrest in first responders.
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Hosted by 1st Responder Conferences and Blue H.E.L.P.
Co-hosted by Operation True North Colorado
- Blue H.E.L.P. Resources for Law Enforcement Officers and their Families Learn More
- Red H.E.L.P. Resources for Firefighters and their Families Learn More
With the potential for burnout in the first responder population, it’s important to find ways to help employees achieve and maintain work-life balance, for their own sake as well as for the sake of your agency. Read More
Infographic: Work Life Balance Tips for First Responders
While the film is not yet complete, it’s never too early to get your tickets to the national premiere of PTSD911, especially if they are FREE! Click here for your chance to win FREE VIP tickets for you and a friend to attend the national premiere of PTSD911.
The winner will receive the following:
- TWO VIP TICKETS TO THE PRE-SHOW RECEPTION
- TWO VIP TICKETS TO ACCESS THE RED CARPET
- TWO VIP RESERVED SEATS IN THE THEATER
- TWO VIP TICKETS TO THE PREMIERE AFTER-PARTY!
Enter to win by October 1! A winner will be drawn and announced around October 15! Your donations benefit the production of PTSD911 documentary.
*Travel and lodging is not included with this package. Locations and Date: To be announced!
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