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What Is Psychological First Aid? And Why Every Fire and Law Enforcement Agency Should Be Trained in It
Let’s be honest—as first responders, performance expectation are high. But day after day, shift after shift, we see trauma that stacks...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Jul 31, 20254 min read


Trauma, Cortisol, and the Fragile Threads of Impulse Control
Introduction: A Silent Storm Within There are battles we never see—quiet wars waged deep inside the minds of those we pass every day. A...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Jul 24, 20254 min read


IS IT PTSD?... Or Am I Crazy?
For first responders, trauma doesn’t always end when the shift ends. Sometimes, it lingers quietly through thought patterns that won’t...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Jul 16, 20253 min read


The Healing Power of Touch: How Touch Therapy Supports PTSD Recovery
For many first responders, the trauma they witness daily can leave emotional scars that don't always surface right away. While talk...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Jul 10, 20252 min read


When The Ringing Doesn't Stop: If You are a First Responder and Have This- You May Have PTSD
You’re off shift. The house is quiet. But the high-pitched ringing in your ears is loud as ever. There’s no noise, just silence and a...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Jun 23, 20253 min read


How to Recognize the Onset of PTSD in Firefighters, EMTs, and Dispatchers — Through Their Thoughts
By Chap. Tom Freborg Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is well documented in first responders — but it doesn’t always start with...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Jun 6, 20253 min read


What Happens in a Firefighter’s Brain During a Traumatic Call — And How We Can Help
What Happens in the Brain During a Traumatic Call? When a firefighter arrives at a traumatic scene, their brain and body launch into...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
May 2, 20252 min read


The War Within: Understanding and Managing Anger in First Responders with PTSD
For firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers, the job comes with immense pressure, unimaginable sights, and the burden of responsibility for...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Apr 7, 20253 min read


Let Your Hands Be Your Measure: Understanding Stress Through Skin Temperature
As firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers, you operate in high-stress environments where quick decision-making is crucial. An...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Mar 31, 20252 min read


Addiction and Alcoholism in the Fire Service: A Problem No One Talks About
The fire service is built on courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. But behind the curtain, a darker...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Mar 23, 20253 min read


PTSD in Firefighters, EMTs, and Dispatchers: Recognizing the Signs
First responders—firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers—are the backbone of emergency response. But with that immense responsibility comes...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Mar 19, 20254 min read


The Silent Epidemic: Suicide Among Firefighters and EMTs
Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are often characterized as being resilient, tough, and fearless. Yet, beneath the...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Mar 14, 20255 min read


The Silent Spiritual Battle
First responders—firefighters, paramedics, police officers, dispatchers—are the hands and feet of courage in our communities. They run...

Dr. Lee Kachner
Mar 11, 20252 min read


Smoke, Stress, and Splitsville: The Firefighter's Divorce Dilemma
Firefighters and EMTs face an uphill struggle when it comes to maintaining a healthy marriage. Already, you are batting from a handicap...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Mar 10, 20255 min read


My Take on Coping with the Adrenaline Rush as a Firefighter or EMT
If you’re a firefighter or EMT, you know the drill: the call comes in, your heart starts pounding, and before you can even think, you’re...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Mar 6, 20253 min read


Our Heroes and Their Hidden Battles: Supporting First Responders' Mental Health
Our first responders – firefighters, police officers, paramedics – they are the shield that stands between us and chaos. They witness...

Dr. Lee Kachner
Mar 5, 20252 min read


Energy Drinks: Why Firefighters and EMTs Should Steer Clear
As firefighters and EMTs, you live high-stakes, high-stress lives. Long shifts, unpredictable emergencies, and the constant need to stay...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Mar 3, 20254 min read


The Vital Role of Spiritual Care in Healing PTSD Among Our EMS Heroes
The reality of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among our dedicated Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers is a serious concern....

Dr. Lee Kachner
Mar 1, 20252 min read


In The Darkness, A Glimmer of Hope: A Firefighter's Story Of Survival and Support
It was a Tuesday afternoon, and I was having a really tough day. When I say a tough day, I mean that the darkness was overtaking me. And...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Feb 26, 20253 min read


Healing to Be Whole: Understanding the Three Components of Healing in PTSD for Firefighters
“This is the best job in the world!” A fire instructor spoke this to me on a hot, hazy afternoon with a confident enthusiasm. He was a...

Chap. Tom Freborg, AIC
Feb 24, 20254 min read
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