Trauma and Recovery for First Responders: Conference, April 30
The Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, in partnership with the Fairfield County Trauma Recovery Network (FCTRN), will host “Trauma and Recover for First Responders: A Community Coming Together,” for firefighters, police, EMTs, nurses, physicians and mental health therapists.
Dr. Kate Wheeler, professor of nursing and co-organizer of the conference, said, "Our collaboration brings together those who are on the front line of care responding to emergencies and community disasters. This one-day event is aimed towards awareness, prevention, support, and treatment for those who may have suffered psychological trauma in the line of duty.”
Untreated trauma disrupts the brain’s ability to process in healthy ways, which can lead to depression, anxiety, or alcoholism. This conference will highlight the services available to first responders, and what can be done to improve the issue of facing trauma.
The conference will be held in the Dolan School of Business on April 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will feature guest speakers in the healthcare field, workshops on treatment and resiliency in the face of trauma, and real-life stories from first responders.
Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia will deliver the keynote, “We Can Do Better: Bringing the Management of Workplace Trauma Exposure to the 21 st Century.” Dr. Adler-Tapia is a licensed psychologist who previously worked as a firefighter and an emergency medical technician (EMT). She is currently an employee assistance provider for law enforcement, firefighters and first responders, as well as a team member for the National Fallen Firefighters, “Taking Care of Our Own” Program.
Participants will also be educated about effective treatments for dealing with trauma, specifically Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), a psychotherapy treatment created to relieve stressful memories through developing coping mechanisms. It is considered to be one of the most highly effective treatments for trauma.
Anka Roberto, director of simulation for the Egan School and co-organizer said, “This conference is an opportunity for a community of providers to come together to talk about strategies towards resiliency in healing the unseen wounds of trauma.”
Space is limited to 120 individuals. It is advised to register early to receive the first choice on desired workshops. Tickets are $25 per person, which includes lunch.
By Nicole Kowalczyk ’17
