What is the Difference??
Too often, post-crisis care is mistaken for pre-crisis support. They are different.
- Having a psychologist, psychiatrist, or chaplain on staff is often viewed as a key component of the first responder support system, but it primarily serves as post-crisis care.
- Reaching out to someone when they return from a difficult call is valuable, but it is not pre-crisis support – it is also post-crisis care.
- Training peers to offer support when challenges become overwhelming is essential, but that, too constitutes post-crisis care.
Providing Pre-Crisis Support Means Getting out in Front of a Crisis, Not Reacting to It
The first responder world is necessarily predominantly reactive. But support for first responders needs to be proactive. A robust support network comprises both pre-crisis support and post-crisis care.
Is pre-crisis support feasible in the world of first responders? Absolutely. We accomplish this through our Support for First Responders Community Building Program. If you haven’t yet experienced the Community we foster through our programs, it might be challenging to fully appreciate how impactful and transformative it can be.
The Power of Belonging to an Authentic Community
- You know that there are people who will listen to you and understand you.
- You know that you’re not alone; others see you, care about you, and support you.
- You know you don’t have to hide your struggles or put on a brave face.
The power of genuine community lies in this “knowing”. The Community connections are what create a safe, truly supportive group.
The Missing Piece
A pre-crisis support Community established through authentic Community building is the crucial missing piece in a robust support system for first responders. It is a mistake to believe that post-crisis care is sufficient. First responders need – and deserve – both pre-crisis support and post-crisis care.
The Support for First Responders Program is groundbreaking, unlike anything currently available. To introduce it, we’re offering it as a pilot study, allowing early adopters to experience it at no cost. Talk to me about that.
Photo by Yuris Alhumaydy on Unsplash