DR. MATTHEW WALKER

This foundational class with the world’s premiere expert on sleep deprivation lays out the science of sleep and how the lack of it contributes to just about every health problem emergency responders face. Also provides invaluable tips on how to improve sleep so you can work to establish new health and safety standards back at home.

Dr. Michele Freeman, AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

Suicide is a sensitive topic to discuss. Stigma and fear continue to keep those who are struggling to get the help they need and deserve. Accurate reporting of suicide remains difficult and increases our need to invest more resources for this leading cause of death. Dr. Freeman of AFSP will discuss how we view suicide, how to talk about it, and proactive steps you can take to implement sound, proactive policy on your department.

HEATHER WILLIAMS, PSYD

When stressed, emergency responders usually resort to their “go-to” in order to cope, whether it is working out, going for a jog, or simply throwing a line in the water to fish. Dr. Williams will walk through her “Admit, Talk, Heal” approach for when your coping mechanism isn’t enough to manage the stress and trauma you face.

DENA ALI- BATTALION CHIEF, RALEIGH (NC) FIRE DEPARTMENT

PTSD has become a common phrase in emergency services, yet our understanding of its manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment is not well known. This class will lean on evidence-based research to explain the origins of trauma and more importantly, the path towards resiliency.

BROOKE BARTLETT, Ph.D

Trauma exposure is par for the course in the career of a first responder, and it can lead to a range of unfavorable symptoms if left unaddressed. Yet, there is a common misconception in first responder culture that managing trauma symptoms is merely a matter of willpower. This presentation aims to correct this misconception by addressing the physiological underpinnings of trauma exposure and how it impacts our thinking and behavior. It will also highlight ways to mitigate the effects of trauma exposure through a scientific lens.

DR. MYNDA OHS

Dr. Ohs focuses on emergency responders and behavioral health issues as they approach retirement knowing that they won’t be needed anymore, there won’t be any more emergencies, and the adrenaline rush and camaraderie are gone.

JASON PRESLEY- ARAPAHOE COUNTY (CO) SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Every department has them. The member that is always there front and center leading the charge when other members of the department are in need. But what happens when that person is the one needing help? Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Jason PreslEy walks you through his story of being that guy, becoming the one who needed help, and steps you can take to stay healthy and be there for your members.

CHIEF BRIAN FRIEDERS (RET)- FIREFIGHTER CANCER SUPPORT NETWORK

The Firefighter Cancer Support Network will discuss the events in the immediate hours of a cancer diagnosis and how to help friends, family, and co-workers get through that early phase of how to cope with someone who has received the dreaded call to inform them of a cancer diagnosis.

DENA ALI- BATTALION CHIEF, RALEIGH (NC) FIRE DEPARTMENT

As first responders, when we think of mental health disorders, we often think in terms of us vs them. We believe that our responsibility to our community means we can never show any sort of weakness. This misperception can lead members to suppress emotions and fail to address the underlying causes that can build into crisis. Attendees will learn methods to prevent suicide by learning its traceable causes. Rather than focusing on individual risk factors, this course is designed to explain how creating an environment to encourage help seeking behavior can alter an individual's trajectory from reaching suicide.

DR. KERRY RAMELLA- FIRESTRONG

Dr. Ramella will focus on what you need to do back home to affect change and enact new policies and procedures that are proactive in nature.

Stephanie Samuels- M.A., MSW, LCSW
Special Guests: Dr. Edie Zusman, Matt Walsh, and Erin Smith

More and more science is leading to Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS)  being a contributing factor to behavioral health issues among emergency responders. Samuels and an expert roundtable will present on how patients with PCS can experience concussion-like symptoms at rest or in response to too much physical or cognitive activity, often forcing them to withdraw from their usual physical, professional, and social lives. Q & A session to follow. Joining Dr. Samuels will be special guests

Dr. Edie Zusman - Dr. Edie Zusman is a board-certified practicing neurosurgeon who is recognized nationally for both her neurosurgical skills and her expertise in health systems.

Matthew Walsh - Matt Walsh is a 25-year law enforcement professional and the Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Jacksonville Regional Operations Center. He is the FDLE Statewide Coordinator for the Critical Incident Stress Management and Peer Support Team. Matt has led interventions following the Pulse nightclub attack, the Broward Airport shooting, the Parkland school shooting, the Sebring mass shooting and other critical incidents.

Erin Smith - The widow of Officer Jeffrey L. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington DC, who died in the Line of Duty on January 15, 2021 due to injuries he suffered at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.