In this episode (128) of 'The Things We All Carry,' Stack discusses the challenges faced by first responders, specifically focusing on the personal and professional struggles of Jen, a volunteer rescue chief and full-time paramedic from a small town in Nebraska. The episode highlights the emotional toll of working in a close-knit community where responders often know the individuals they treat. The conversation explores the critical importance of mental health support and the need for debriefing after traumatic incidents. Jen shares her experiences with the deaths of key figures in her department and her efforts to foster a supportive environment for her team, while also discussing her own methods of coping and self-care.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:37 Olympics and First Responders
01:40 Psychedelics and Politics
03:09 Health and Personal Accountability
05:03 Guest Introduction: Jen from Nebraska
06:58 Jen's Background and Volunteer Experience
09:19 Challenges of Small Town Volunteering
16:36 Critical Care Transport Stories
20:34 Dealing with Loss in the Department
32:05 The Second Tragedy
37:00 Time of Death and Emotional Response
37:31 Community Impact and Personal Reflections
37:49 The Hardest Call and Team Dynamics
38:49 Mental Health Stigma in Small Towns
40:16 Challenges in Implementing Change
41:24 Processing Grief and Seeking Support
43:10 Leadership and Mental Health Advocacy
44:21 Reflecting on Loss and Moving Forward
46:19 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
48:13 Creating a Supportive Environment
49:42 Personal Coping Mechanisms
01:01:07 Encouraging Positive Self-Talk
01:12:47 Moments of Awe and Book Recommendations
01:16:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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