A discussion with a family member of a first responder about their point of view of a responder's mental health.

We interview Commander Allie Taylor about the formation and operation of a Peer Support Team.

A discussion with retired fire chief Pete VanDusen on almost 40 years of experience of balancing work traumas with personal stress.

A discussion with a company officer in dealing with collective trauma in first responders, following the suicide of a brother firefighter. New advances in peer support and a look from inside the fire company at mental health.

Christine, a therapist and former New York City police officer, discusses the unique challenges faced by first responders and the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues within this community. She emphasizes the need for peer support and self-disclosure as a way to break down stigmas and provide support to colleagues. The conversation delves into the impact of compounded trauma on first responders and the importance of peer support and therapy in coping with it. It also explores the concept of 'lens' and its effect on perception, as well as the unique attributes of first responders and their need for care and support.

Takeaways

• Peer support and self-disclosure are crucial for addressing mental health issues within the first responder community.
• The unique culture and challenges faced by first responders require a different approach to mental health support and recognition. Compounded trauma affects first responders both personally and professionally, and peer support and therapy play a crucial role in coping with it.
• The 'lens' through which first responders view the world is affected by their experiences, and it is important to find coping mechanisms to keep the lens clear and maintain effective care for others.

Chapters

• 00:00 Approaching Colleagues About Mental Health Concerns
• 33:06 Unique Attributes of First Responders

An introduction to Under The Helmet. A podcast discussing first responder mental health.

underthehelmettn@gmail.com

Under The Helmet, we protect more than just our heads — we protect our emotions, our struggles, and the parts of the job we don’t talk about.

First responders are trained to stay calm in chaos. We manage scenes, make life-and-death decisions, and move on to the next call without hesitation. But when the sirens go quiet and the gear comes off, what happens to everything we carry home?

Hosted by a working paramedic, Under The Helmet is a podcast about the mental and emotional realities of life in fire, EMS, law enforcement, and dispatch. This show explores the weight of cumulative trauma, the role of dark humor, burnout, marriage strain, sleep disruption, identity, and the culture that teaches us to say “I’m fine” even when we’re not.

Through solo reflections and honest conversations with first responders and their families, we go beyond the war stories and talk about what it actually costs to do this job — and how to stay whole while doing it.

This isn’t therapy.
This isn’t complaining.
This is real conversation.

Because what’s under the helmet matters just as much as what’s on the outside.

If you wear the badge, ride the truck, answer the radio, or love someone who does — this podcast is for you.