Can a firefighter's battle extend beyond flames? In this episode I am joined by the courageous trio from IAFF Local Number 4—Jason, Aaron, and Joe—as they shed light on the daunting intersection between firefighting and cancer. We share harrowing personal accounts and the pressing need for legislative recognition of cancer as a job-related illness for these heroes. With heartfelt tributes to Mike Broderick and Brian Stokes, two fallen firefighters whose lives and legacies anchor our conversation, this dialogue is a testament to the power of advocacy and the urgent call for comprehensive cancer coverage for those on the frontline.

Imagine fighting fires only to face an even more insidious foe; that's the reality for many firefighters confronting cancer. This gathering uncovers the complexities of advocating for cancer to be covered under presumptive legislation, a term that currently applies to only a fraction of cancers in Iowa. We take a closer look at the health risks associated with firefighting, the emotional and financial toll of the disease, and the strategies employed to tackle legislative change. The episode is a patchwork of personal stories, the evolution of healthcare initiatives to better safeguard our firefighters, and the grassroots efforts that fuel the fight for fair coverage.

This narrative culminates in an urgent call to action, capturing the essence of unity and persistence in the face of political hurdles. We share a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative journey, from unanimous approvals to unexpected roadblocks, and the shared resolve of firefighters and their allies to continue the push for change. As we honor those who've sacrificed so much, we invite listeners to lend their voices, engage with the fire service community, and support the mission for better protection and support. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a rallying cry for solidarity and the undying spirit of those who risk it all.

(08:22 - 09:18) Creation of Cancer Definition in Iowa

(11:48 - 13:18) Innovative Fire Station Design Appreciated

(20:00 - 21:33) Firefighter Cancer Coverage Advocacy Plan

(23:45 - 25:21) Aaron and Voter Voice Software Success

(29:24 - 30:18) Firefighters Lobby for Legislative Support

(33:15 - 34:48) Impactful Visual Stories on Facebook

(44:49 - 46:27) Iowa Firefighters' Pension Concerns

(50:15 - 51:34) Unified Effort for Legislative Thank Yous

(53:40 - 55:18) Bipartisanship in Firefighter Advocacy

(01:01:03 - 01:02:25) Union Efforts for Positive Change

In this conversation, Pat Ellis discusses the importance of shifting to the next continuum of care and finding joy in life despite challenges. They also explore the experience of delivering difficult news and the need for training in this area. The concept of resilience is discussed, with a focus on preparing for the emotional impact of the job and wearing mental and emotional body armor. Decision fatigue and its manifestation are explored, as well as the relationship between stress and nutrition. The mindset of career personnel and the difference between volunteers and career personnel are also examined. The conversation concludes with contact information for further inquiries.

Takeaways

• Secondary traumatic stress is the chronic exposure to other people's traumatic experiences and can impact first responders' mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.
• Secondary traumatic stress is different from PTSD and compassion fatigue.
• Vicarious trauma is a shift in worldview that occurs after prolonged exposure to trauma.
• Moral injury is an emerging term that is relevant to first responders' mental health. Traumatic events can have varying degrees of impact on individuals, and reactions can differ greatly from person to person.
• It is important to be aware of the signs of secondary stress, such as isolation, withdrawal, and hypervigilance.
• Supporting others and promoting self-care are crucial in maintaining emotional well-being.
• Developing daily self-care practices and seeking help when needed can help individuals cope with the emotional impact of their work.
• Choosing positivity, practicing positive self-affirmations, and maintaining hope can have a significant impact on one's outlook and resilience. Shifting to the next continuum of care is important for individuals experiencing challenges in their lives.
• Finding joy in life is possible even in the face of difficult circumstances.
• Training in delivering difficult news is crucial for professionals in emergency services.
• Resilience requires preparation and the wearing of mental and emotional body armor.
• Decision fatigue can impact decision-making abilities and energy levels.
• Stress can affect nutrition and dietary habits.
• The mindset of career personnel may differ from that of volunteers.
• Proactive planning for resiliency is essential for maintaining well-being.

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00Technical Difficulties

02:00Introduction and Microphone Setup

05:19Background and Purpose of the Interview

08:08Teaching Secondary Traumatic Stress

11:19Success of Recent Class

12:06Definition of Secondary Traumatic Stress

13:18Differentiating Secondary Traumatic Stress from PTSD

18:02Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma

19:41Introduction to Moral Injury

21:27Shift in Worldview

22:50Differentiating Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Traumatic Stress

25:33Variability of Impact

26:19Cumulative Effect of Grief

27:44Different Reactions to Traumatic Events

29:36Signs of Secondary Stress

30:01Isolation and Withdrawal

31:19Hypervigilance

36:03Supporting Others

37:30Self-Care and Seeking Help

38:05Preparing for Emotional Impact

49:41Daily Self-Care Practices

53:46Positive Self-Affirmations

57:01Choosing Positivity and Hope

58:59Shifting to the Next Continuum of Care

01:00:05Finding Joy in Life

01:00:22Dealing with Grief and Dying

01:00:42Delivering Difficult News

01:01:11Teaching Others to Deliver Difficult News

01:01:28Striving Towards Resilience

01:02:10Resilience as Psychological Body Armor

01:03:02Preparing for the Emotional Impact of the Job

01:03:49Decision Fatigue and Lack of Energy

01:04:20Wearing Mental and Emotional Body Armor

01:05:53The Green Apron as a Cape

01:06:32The Concept of Decision Fatigue

01:07:21The Manifestation of Decision Fatigue

01:09:06The Relationship Between Stress and Nutrition

01:09:33Different Manifestations of Stress Release

01:12:22The Importance of Education and Preparedness

01:13:46The Mindset of Career Personnel

01:17:48The Difference Between Volunteers and Career Personnel

01:19:47Contact Information

01:23:06Global Reach of the Podcast

01:24:04Proactive Resiliency Planning

Specifically, we cover:

• The critical importance of preparation and how dedicating time to practice can set you apart from the competition.
• Understanding the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) not just as a barrier to entry, but as a baseline for the physical demands of firefighting.
• Strategies for answering common interview questions with authenticity and depth, using personal stories to illustrate key strengths and values.
• The significance of teamwork and community within the firefighting profession, and how success is measured by collective achievement.
• Learning from failures and mistakes as opportunities for growth and improvement, both personally and professionally.
• The role of intrinsic motivation in driving excellence and the desire to leave things better than you found them.
• Every interaction with a fire department, from emails to station tours, is part of the interview process and should be approached with professionalism.

Ryan's insights not only shed light on the tactical aspects of preparing for firefighting interviews but also emphasize the importance of self-awareness, continuous learning, and the power of helping others succeed. Whether you're a seasoned firefighter looking to advance your career or a newcomer eager to break into the field, Ryan's guidance offers a roadmap to achieving your goals with integrity and passion.