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Today is August 1st and it is the first Thursday of the month, and on this day every month, we want to show our appreciation to our first responders.
Proverbs 11:25 says, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
First responders are generous and willing to give all they can, so let’s show them some appreciation today.
When crises occur, our firefighters, police, and EMTs put their own lives at risk to save others. They answer the call, rush toward danger, and lead the way.
There are over 25,300,000 first responders in the US. Their daily jobs come with extraordinary challenges that they face with bravery and dedication. These jobs are high-risk, and these men and women do them without question. They have taken an oath to serve and protect, and that is what they do.
Romans 12:10 says, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
We need to continually pray for all of our first responders as they work tirelessly to keep us safe.
Paramedics, EMTs, police officers, firefighters, and rescue workers are the first to respond to emergencies. The scene of critical incidents often involves exposure to life-threatening situations, frightening events, and stressful experiences. These experiences can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among first responders.
More than 80 percent of first responders experience traumatic events on the job.
The most common symptoms of PTSD are nightmares and flashbacks of distressing events. PTSD can also cause physical symptoms such as chronic pain, sweating, jitteriness, headaches, dizziness, and chest pain. Other PTSD symptoms include irritability, angry outbursts, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. Because PTSD can cause such a wide range of symptoms, the treatment for this condition needs to be multi-pronged.
Psalm 32:7-8 says, “For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’”
Treatment and help for PTSD is becoming more and more available to those who suffer from it. It’s heartening to hear about the efforts being made to care for and protect those who protect us.
Responding to disasters is both rewarding and challenging work. Stress prevention and management are critical for responders to stay well and to continue to help in the situation. There are important steps responders should take before, during, and after an event.
To take care of others, coping techniques like taking breaks, eating healthy foods, exercising, and using the buddy system can help prevent and reduce burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Recognize the signs of both of these conditions in yourself and other responders to ensure that those who need a break or need help can address these needs. Responders must feel well and think clearly.
Galatians 6:9-10 says, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”
Our first responders get tired, so helping them out by showing some appreciation through prayer, conversation, a meal, or whatever you feel led to do will most likely help reduce some stress. They do good for us, so let us do good for them.