Understanding Stress Injuries in First Line Responders with Laura McGladrey

This episode of Wilderness Medicine Updates, hosted by Patrick Fink, features a conversation with Laura McGladrey, founder of the Responder Alliance. They discuss the critical issue of stress injuries among first line responders, including professional ski patrollers, healthcare workers, and rescue team members. Through personal stories and expert insights, Laura explains the concept of stress injuries, how they develop, and the importance of early detection and mitigation. The episode highlights the need for both individual and organizational strategies to support resilience and manage stress. Listeners are introduced to practical tools, cultural shifts, and personal anecdotes to help maintain a long, healthy, and fulfilling career in high-stress environments.

Links

Responder Alliance Home Page
Access all that the organization has to offer.

Responder Alliance: Resource Hub
Easy access to critical tools and offerings.

The Stress Continuum
See the visual continuum that we discuss on the show.

Scholarships: Responder Alliance Foundation
Apply for aid for an individual or team training.

Make a Donation to Responder Alliance Foundation!
Join me in making a tax-deductible donation to support the valuable work of the Responder Alliance and bring this work to those who need it, regardless of cost.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:11 Laura's Background and Work
06:00 Understanding Stress Injuries
10:02 Responder Alliance Mission and Challenges
20:55 Critical Incident Stress Management
30:49 Empowering First Responders
32:13 Daily Investments in Resilience
37:26 Recognizing and Managing Stress
38:14 Organizational Support for Stress Management
39:45 Building Resilient Teams
46:12 Learning from Resilient Leaders
52:42 Resources for Stress Mitigation
57:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As always, thanks for listening to Wilderness Medicine Updates, hosted by Patrick Fink MD FAWM.

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