Exploring Dr. Duncan Shields' Journey into First Responder Mental Health

Episode Number: 22

Publish Date: October 10, 2023

Host: Arjuna George

Guest: Dr. Duncan Shields

Brief Description:

📚 Welcome to an insightful conversation with Dr. Duncan Shields, a renowned psychologist and advocate for first responder well-being. In this episode, we delve into the critical aspects of resilience, mental health, and building strong teams within the world of first responders.

🔥 Discover the strategies to prioritize mental health for high-performing teams.

🚒 Explore the importance of creating psychologically safe environments for first responders.

💪 Learn why leadership goes beyond rank, focusing on responsibility and accountability.

🗣️ Uncover the significance of expression and understanding in trauma recovery.

🧠 Gain insights into syncing the mind and body for optimal mental health.

🌍 Explore the role of communities in supporting first responders' well-being.

Join us for an engaging discussion that sheds light on essential topics for those in the first responder community and anyone interested in mental health and resilience. Don't miss this valuable conversation with Dr. Duncan Shields.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:

🔗 BC Firefighter Resiliency Program https://sites.google.com/view/bcfrrp/home

🔗 Blueprint.ngo Blueprint.ngo/initiatives/protect

🔗 Blueprint Resiliency and the 5BR Toolkit https://www.blueprint.ngo/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Blueprint-5BR-2021.pdf

Recommendations:

📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books)

📖 The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel Van Der Klok

Bio

Dr. Duncan Shields is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, and co-founder of the NGO, Blueprint, where he explores the interdependence of group cohesion, resilience and high performance in elite military and first responder teams. As part of his work, Dr. Shields co-developed the First Responder Resiliency Program in partnership with BC Fire Fighter and BC Police Associations to support personnel and to create more cohesive and high-performing work cultures. He has published and presented his work internationally and is the recipient of a number of awards and recognitions for his research and service. Prior to his clinical work, he was proud to serve as an infantry reservist with the Canadian Armed Forces where he gained a life-long appreciation for the contributions of our men and women in uniformed services.

Contact Dr Shields at Blueprint.ngo/initiatives/protect

Connect with the Host:

🎙️Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret)

Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Beneath the Helmet Show, and Burnt Around the Edges author.

www.silverarrowco.com

www.burntaroundtheedges.com

www.beneaththehelmet.ca

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🔥Show Sponsored by Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting - Burnout and Resilience Coaching for High Performers. Visit www.silverarrowco.com to learn more or to book a complimentary meet and greet. Don't just live life; thrive!