A Duty To Act

Innovative Protocols for Post-Shift Recovery Exploring Wellness and Recovery for First Responders

Episode Summary

Summary Mike Wisler, a captain at the Everett Fire Department, discusses his transition from counseling to the fire service, the importance of mental and physical health in the first responder service, and his innovative protocols for post-shift recovery. He emphasizes the impact of relationships and the need for a holistic approach to well-being. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to wellness, recovery, and community building within first responder departments. It explores the importance of solitude, restorative activities, and the creation of a wellness center. The discussion also delves into the physiological and mental benefits of activities like sauna, cold plunges, and cycling, as well as the impact of community involvement on overall well-being.

Episode Notes

Takeaways

• The transition from counseling to the fire service provided an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth.
• Preserving mental and physical health in the fire service is crucial for resilience and longevity.
• Post-shift recovery protocols focus on physiological and psychological restoration, emphasizing the importance of relationships and holistic well-being. The importance of solitude and restorative activities for first responders
• The physiological and mental benefits of sauna, cold plunges, and cycling
• The impact of community involvement on overall well-being and resilience
• The concept of creating a wellness center within first responder departments

Sound Bites

• "The fire service has been a process of trying to hold onto both toughness and tenderness."
• "I had been researching and reading about more things that have to do with mental health and physical longevity."
• "At the core of that, you're gonna find that in relationships, that you're gonna find that in the space between you and another person."
• "Reconnecting with activities that fulfill and reorient oneself"