In this episode, we reveal what First Responders Fear the most!
In this powerful episode of "Beneath the Helmet," host Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George sits down with Robert Avsec, a former Battalion Chief and Fire Service Psychology Association member, to discuss the critical issue of mental health in the fire service. Robert shares his insights on the fear of job loss due to mental health challenges, the importance of viewing mental health as part of overall health, and innovative approaches to firefighter rehabilitation.
Key Topics:
The biggest fears firefighters face regarding job loss and mental health
The stigma around seeking mental health care in the fire service
Comparing firefighter rehabilitation to athletic recovery
The need for a holistic approach to firefighter health, integrating mental and physical recovery
The Fire Service Psychology Association's efforts to bridge the gap between professional psychology and firefighting
00:00 - Introduction and welcome
01:00 - Diving deep with Robert Avsec: Mental health in firefighting
04:00 - Robert's journey from New Jersey to Battalion Chief
22:00 - Addressing the mental health stigma and integrating holistic rehabilitation
35:00 - Learning from sports: A new approach to firefighter rehab
55:00 - The role of culturally competent clinicians in firefighter mental health
1:02:00 - Innovative mental health strategies: TRIM and beyond
1:15:00 - Conclusion and final thoughts
Remember to like, subscribe, and join our Facebook community for more support and discussions about firefighter health and wellness. Stay well!
Connect with Our Guest: Robert Avsec
Organization: Fire Service Psychology Association
Rank: Battalion Chief (Retired)
E-mail: chiefavsec@firepsychology.org
Personal Website: fireemsleaderpro.org
About the Host:
Arjuna George hosts "Beneath the Helmet" and is a passionate advocate for mental health in the firefighting community. With a rich fire service and leadership background, Arjuna brings insightful perspectives to each episode, exploring topics that matter most to first responders.
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Episode 48 Season 2
Connect with the Host:
Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret) Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Beneath the Helmet Show, and Burnt Around the Edges author.
www.silverarrowco.com
www.burntaroundtheedges.com
www.beneaththehelmet.ca
Battalion Chief (Retired)
Battalion Chief Robert Avsec (ret.) served with the Chesterfield (Virginia) Fire & EMS Department for 26 years. He was an instructor for fire, EMS and hazardous materials courses at the local, state and federal levels, which included more than 10 years with the National Fire Academy.
Chief Avsec earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and his master’s degree in executive fire service leadership from Grand Canyon University. He is a 2001 graduate of the National Fire Academy’s EFO Program.
Beyond his writing for FireRescue1.com and FireChief.com, Avsec authors the blog Talking “Shop” 4 Fire & EMS and has published his first book, “Successful Transformational Change in a Fire and EMS Department: How a Focused Team Created a Revenue Recovery Program in Six Months – From Scratch.” Connect with Avsec on LinkedIn or via email.