When The Call Hits Home Bonus Episode: 2024 Kenosha County EMS Olympics Hosts: - Dr. Ashlee Gethner DSW, LCSW: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer - Jennifer Woosley Sailor LPCC S: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer Guests: - Chris Oliver: Firefighter at Pleasant Prairie Fire Department. Seven years of experience, with a background in the military and previous experience at the Bristol Fire Department. - Ben Kessel: Associate Medical Director for Kenosha County EMS with 24 years in EMS, including roles as EMT, firefighter paramedic, and physician assistant in emergency medicine. Also involved with medical training, education, and the sheriff’s department tactical response team. Episode Overview: In this special bonus episode, we dive into the 2024 EMS Olympics event, which brings together first responders from various disciplines to compete, learn, and build stronger community bonds. Hosts Ashlee and Jennifer, alongside guests Chris Oliver and Ben Kessel, explore the unique culture of public safety professions and the importance of events like the EMS Olympics for training, camaraderie, and mental health support. Key Topics Discussed: 1. Public Safety Culture: - Emphasis on the solidarity and community support within public safety professions. - The prevalent concept of brotherhood/sisterhood among first responders. 2. EMS Olympics Event: - Purpose: Raise funds for a scholarship to provide additional training for police officers and firefighters. - Event Benefits: Training, networking, and building professional support systems. - Location: Bristol Woods Forest Preserve, Kenosha County. - Event Components: A roughly 2-mile course with physical and mental challenge stations simulating critical real-life scenarios. - Participation: Teams of three carrying a collective weight of 60 pounds. - Atmosphere: Shared experiences, awards, and lunch post-event. 3. Positive Impact: - Promoting the bravery and sacrifices of public safety workers. - Highlighting positive stories to counter negative media narratives. 4. Training, Budget, and Recruitment Challenges: - Discussing budget constraints and the need for continuous training. - Addressing recruitment and retention challenges in public safety roles. 5. Fitness and Wellness: - Focusing on the importance of fitness for job performance and injury prevention. - Inclusion of communication and cognitive components in the event challenges. **How to Get Involved:** - Visit the event’s website to register your team or learn more. https://www.kcemsolympics.org/ - Check out past event photos and beneficiary stories. - Donate via the QR code to support the scholarship fund if you can't attend in person. Closing Notes: Hosts Ashlee and Jennifer express their commitment to promoting and supporting the EMS Olympics and similar initiatives through their platforms. They highlight the critical role of community support in enhancing training, building professional bonds, and addressing mental health issues within the public safety community. **Thank you for tuning in!** Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms! Follow Us: - Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast - Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome - Whenthecallhitshome.com --- This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.
