Rachel Engel

Rendering Aid

Celebrating EMS Week 2023 – Day 1: Health, Wellness and Resilience

While you might be able to accurately diagnose every patient you treat, you must also prioritize your own physical and mental health

It's officially EMS Week again! As we celebrate the 2023 designation, we encourage you to consider how much you've grown in your profession over the last year. What new skills have you acquired? What goals did you meet? What will you challenge yourself to accomplish ahead of the 50th anniversary of EMS Week in 2024? It's important to take advantage of these checkpoints on your career path to celebrate your journey!

On Day 1 of this recognition week, we're considering the health, wellness and resilience of EMS responders. While you might be able to accurately diagnose every patient you come into contact with, if you don't make your own physical and mental health a priority, you could be at risk for burnout. So, do yourself a favor and keep tabs on your mental wellbeing.

Check out our "EMS Week – Day 1" video below, as well as an abundance of first responder wellness resources we've compiled for more information. How are you kicking off EMS Week this year? Send an email to editor@ems1.com to share your 2023 celebration photos to be included in a later feature!

Health

The hands-on nature of a career in EMS means that physical and mental wellbeing is critical for providers. From focusing on fitness to healthy eating habits and the importance of quality sleep, providers are at their best when they prioritize their personal health.

Fitness

Hit the gym

The ultimate exercise playlist: Top 50 workout songs to keep you motivated

Lose yourself in these songs as you work out for your physical and mental health

Nutrition

Check yourself

Quiz: Can you spot the healthier food option?

What you think might be good for you could have hidden surprises

Sleep

Data tracking

Fighting fatigue in public safety

How tired are your people?

Wellness

In 2023, "mental health" is no longer the stigmatized phrase it once was. As first responders, you should be aware of the emotional toll the job can take, and take stock of your mental status during each shift.

Advocacy

New experience

EMDR: ‘I signed up as a skeptic. I left as a convert.’

Mindfulness techniques and takeaways from an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing training course

Call to action

Take control

7 ways to unlock the stress cycle

With evidence-based strategies, you can reduce your stress and avoid burnout

Resilience

When discussing resiliency, many mistakenly believe that when someone is resilient, it means that nothing bothers them – which is far from accurate. According to Mike Taigman, "Resiliency is the ability to advance in life despite adversity." Use the resources below to help guide you through that adversity.

Listen:

'Any of us can suffer': Working through post-traumatic stress

Our cohosts tackle the difficult topic of trauma and healthy ways emergency responders can cope with the sometimes overwhelming feelings

Mental & Physical Health

First Responder Wellness

First Responder Wellness Week is dedicated to providing resources, support and community to help public safety personnel better understand the mental and physical health risks that come with the job

About the author

Rachel Engel is an award-winning journalist and the senior editor of FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. In addition to her regular editing duties, Engel seeks to tell the heroic, human stories of first responders and the importance of their work. She earned her bachelor's degree in communications from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, and began her career as a freelance writer, focusing on government and military issues. Engel joined Lexipol in 2015 and has since reported on issues related to public safety. Engel lives in Wichita, Kansas. She can be reached via email.