In Episode 41 from The Fine Line, Laura McGladrey and Nick Armitage discuss stress injuries and psychological first aid for first responders. They also explain the Stress Continuum, and how the 3-3-3 approach is a useful tool for helping others address mental health.
This episode is sponsored by Roadhouse Brewing Co. Thanks to Roadhouse for their support of this podcast and backcountry safety in Jackson Hole.
Even if you are not a first responder, this conversation will be relevant and relatable on many different levels, and touches on life in mountain towns (guess what, not always powder days and bliss), stress depletion, and how each of us can be more intentional with our ‘green choices.’
GTNP Ranger Nick Armitage and psychiatric nurse practitioner Laura McGladrey. Photo: Matt Hansen/TCSAR Foundation
McGladrey has become a leading and outspoken proponent of addressing mental health among first responders. She has instructed NOLS Wilderness Medicine for the past 20 years and is a Nurse Practitioner with dual certification, practicing both emergency medicine and psychiatry across the lifespan. She is currently in the Emergency Department and the Stress Trauma Adversity Research and Treatment (START) Center with expertise in trauma support for Emergency, Wilderness, and frontline workers. She has a background in international and relief work on Psychological First Aid and Stress Injuries. She is the Stress and Resilience advisor for Portland Mountain Rescue and Eldora Ski Patrol, and works with teams throughout the U.S. following critical incidents and fatalities. She is the founder and director of Responder Alliance, and works closely with avalanche educators, guides and forecasters supporting both incidents and stress and resilience planning.
Armitage is a ranger in the Jenny Lake District of Grand Teton National Park. Prior to becoming a year-round ranger four years ago, he was a seasonal climbing ranger in the Jenny Lake District for eight summers. He has also worked as a USFS wildland firefighter and been a ski patroller at Big Sky, Montana. As a local first responder, he is instrumental in providing peer support for his colleagues.
Responder Alliance is an excellent resource for additional information, and can help teams establish programs to build resilience. Teton Interagency Peer Support (TIPS) provides mental health services for first responders and their families in Teton County, and can provide guidance for teams around the country establish similar programs. MentalHealthJH.com is another great resource for Jackson Hole residents.
“Peer Support: Mental Health and First Responders” airs at 2 p.m. on KHOL 89.1 FM on Thursday, Sept. 30, and then can be streamed on Apple, Spotify, and SoundCloud.