We train EMS providers to save the lives of others, but not their own lives.
The stress can stack up quickly, with severe consequences: shortened life spans punctuated by heart disease, depression, post-traumatic stress, relationship problems, lack of sleep and suicidal ideation.
In this installment of The EMS Burnout Repair Kit series, our presenters will tackle:
- The correlation between mental and spiritual health and burnout
- How mental health support programs can create psychologically healthy workplaces
- Strategies to improve gratitude and tranquility, including how to reach out to peer support, trusted friends and an EMS chaplain
The EMS Burnout Repair Kit series, presented by EMS1 and ZOLL, will equip individuals at all levels in EMS with tools for dealing with the primary sources of burnout, helping them emerge as better, happier providers and more complete people.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Nicole Holm, MA, BCC, Chaplain, Allina Health EMS
Nikki Holm has been engaged in the meaningful work of EMS chaplaincy through Allina Health since the spring of 2020. Prior to making the transition to EMS, Nikki provided spiritual care and health education in an outpatient mental health setting for several years. Nikki is board certified with the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc., and has a Master’s degree in Spirituality from St. John’s School of Theology and a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from The College of St. Benedict.
Rebecca Szeles, Richmond Ambulance Authority
Rebecca Szeles is a nationally registered paramedic and communications supervisor at the Richmond Ambulance Authority. She is a Virginia Commonwealth University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She is also a member of RAA’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team and Peer Support Program.
Sean Simmonds, NRP
Sean Simmonds is the emergency preparedness and safety manager for the Montgomery County Hospital District in Conroe, Texas. He has over 15 years’ experience in 911 response in fire and EMS. Sean’s focus is ensuring a safe working environment for the field and non-field staff of MCHD and its partners, with a special interest in mental health.
In his role, Sean serves as the county’s primary prehospital designated infection control officer and lead safety officer for approximately 250 paramedics and 1,500 first responders.
Xavier De La Rosa, BS, LP, NRP, FP-C
Lieutenant Xavier A. De La Rosa, BS, LP, NRP, FP-C, is chief clinical officer for Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare. He has held multiple roles including for-profit EMS, 911 EMS, flight medicine and EMS-based fire service, and as a lieutenant in the Training Division of Fort Bend County EMS in Texas.
He has a degree in Emergency Health Sciences from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and is currently enrolled at Johns Hopkins University for his Master’s of Business Administration degree, with concentrations in Private and Public sector leadership and Health Innovation, Technology and Management.
View other episodes in our EMS Burnout Repair Kit series:
Navigating a path to career satisfaction
Ward off burnout and turnover by increasing career resiliency and opportunity
Protecting family and relationship health
Join this discussion with real-life spouses Mike Taigman and Sascha Liebowitz, on how to repair burnout by reconnecting with loved ones and mitigating the impact of the job on your relationships.
A whole-body approach to physical health
Healthy habits to nurture provider resiliency, career longevity