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Peer support program helps N.M. medics cope with trauma

Albuquerque Ambulance’s peer team helps medics cope with trauma, depression and loss through active listening and shared experiences

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque Ambulance has strengthened its peer support program, offering support to paramedics and EMTs facing personal or professional crises.

The team, now comprising 26 trained members with more joining soon, focuses on active listening and peer-to-peer guidance in addressing stress, grief and trauma, KOB 4 reported.

Paramedic Commander Chance Echols knows firsthand how vital that support can be. After a personal tragedy, he turned to the peer team for help and now, he is part of it, trained to support others facing similar emotional tolls.

The peer support members receive specialized training in areas like depression, suicide and childhood trauma. The program is guided by Laura Nguyen, a licensed social worker who oversees training and helps shift the culture around mental health in emergency services.

Nguyen says the goal is not always to solve a problem but often to just listen. Whether it is a difficult call or the weight of everyday life, she emphasizes the importance of addressing stress before it becomes overwhelming.

As the peer support program grows, so does its mission: to create a culture where asking for help is not just accepted but encouraged, ensuring the first responders are also cared for.

How does your agency measure up when it comes to wellness? Lexipol’s Wellness solutions help agencies deliver anonymous, 24/7 support, enhance peer support team readiness, and build a culture of wellness. Contact Lexipol at 844-312-9500 to learn more or request a demo.

When developing a peer support program, public safety agencies must consider the program from all angles and answer key questions
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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.