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Hand Off
We are really lucky where I work to have a supportive Chief. If we have a rough call we're off for the rest of the shift and we are debriefed by people trained to deal with stress management for people like us. I feel my mental health is important to my employers.
The same can't be said for many other organizations. One paramedic was told there would be dire consequences if he or any other paramedic in this large city had work done by me. I have been banned by this city because they feel my art work would portray their service in a negative way. Get your head out of the sand people, my artwork has nothing to do with it. Your staff are killing themselves at alarming rates because they're not getting the help they need. Hiding from the problem isn't going to make it go away. There's more important things then unit utilization times and billing.
This has inspired me to start a scholarship with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. This organization has several training events where first responders can learn more about critical stress and how to deal with it. I'll be funding this scholarship from the sales of my upcoming art book. I'm hoping this scholarship will allow first responders from these close minded employers to attend these sessions, all expenses paid, so they can get the help they need and pass it along to their crew mates. I'm glad I've been banned from this city, because of it I continue to do artwork for my brothers and sisters there for free and it has lead me to create this scholarship. PTSD and mental health problems are not going away, closed minded services will just make it worse.
This image isn't from the city I'm banned from. This scene is from a community close to where I live, they are very supportive of my work.
Stay safe brothers and sisters DanSun
