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

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, 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!

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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

• The ultimate exercise playlist: Top 50 workout songs to keep you motivated
• 5 first responder fitness gurus you should follow on Instagram
• On-duty stretches and posture exercises for first responders
• Making workouts count: How to workout SMARTer, not harder

Nutrition

• Quiz: Can you spot the healthier food option?
• How to start a food log to support your health
• Better eating habits for first responders

Sleep

• Fighting fatigue in public safety
• The Sleep Hygiene Challenge: Follow these tips during tonight's bedtime routine
• Sleep prep checklist for first responders

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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

• EMDR: 'I signed up as a skeptic. I left as a convert.'
• The 3-part EMS assessment: Your patient, your partner and yourself
• Mental health in focus: When to seek professional help

Call to action

• 7 ways to unlock the stress cycle
• 5 alternatives to journaling if you don't like to write
• 6 steps to adding a therapy dog to your organization

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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. 

• 'Any of us can suffer': Working through post-traumatic stress
• Emergency self-care for the care providers
• Helping the helpers
• ‘Thrive despite whatever is thrown at you’
• How to successfully process failure as an EMT
• Creating and supporting resilient responders