Dealing with Chronic Stress

Course overview

Objectives. List best practices for EMS provider health and well being. Describe the brain and body benefits of sleep and practicing gratitude. Content. Summary. In this episode Steve Dan and Holly interview returning guest Dr. Tillman about chronic stress management. Dr. Tillman discusses the importance of sleep and proper sleep hygiene. Sleep strategies for individuals who work long shifts in emergency medical services are emphasized. The trio discuss ways to manage work related stress during times of COVID 19 social unrest and natural disasters. Purposeful peering is highlighted by Dr. Tillman as a technique to work through difficult or stressful calls. The differences between acute and chronic stress are reviewed. Dr. Tillman explains how compassion fatigue occurs in first responders more often when dealing with chronic stress. The technique of tactical breathing and practicing gratitude are detailed. Both methods are helpful in mitigating chronic stress and refocusing attention. Building resilience in ourselves and in children during challenging times is also discussed. Learning Points. Sleep hygiene is vital for good regenerative sleep. Keeping television and phone use to a minimum prior to sleep can reduce sleep issues. Individuals who work long shifts upwards of 24 hours or night shift may be in partial sleep while on duty. If the brain is activated just prior to bedtime it will be more difficult to sleep. Recognition of stress in yourself is key to beginning to manage stress and store it away correctly. Purposeful peering relies on discussing stressful or difficult calls by engaging the five senses. Gratitude is critical in mitigating chronic stress by re engaging the pre frontal cortex. Building resiliency during stressful times is important in ourselves and in children.