S3 E2 - Heart of a Responder: Navigating Grief and Finding Strength with Troy Heise

In this episode of the Inner Response Podcast, host Marissa Rose, an Advanced Care Paramedic and Neuroscientist, sits down with Vanessa, a paramedic who has transitioned from student to graduate to mentor. Their conversation explores the evolving expectations between mentors and mentees in paramedicine, offering a raw and insightful look into the challenges and growth that come with each stage of the journey.Vanessa’s path into paramedicine is both inspiring and unique—beginning as a bystander in a medical emergency involving her father-in-law, she later pursued her Bachelor of Paramedic Science while balancing the demands of motherhood and family life. Under Marissa’s guidance during her graduate year, Vanessa navigated the steep learning curve of the profession, ultimately becoming a qualified paramedic and mentor herself.Together, they discuss the shifting perspectives on mentorship, leadership, and what makes an effective mentor in a high-pressure field like paramedicine. Vanessa reflects on the qualities she valued as a student, how her expectations changed through experience, and what she now priorities as she guides new graduates entering the field.This episode is a must-listen for paramedics at all stages of their careers—whether you’re a student preparing for placement, a graduate finding your footing, or a qualified paramedic stepping into the role of mentor.🔹 Key Themes Covered:The evolving expectations of students, graduates, and mentorsThe challenges of transitioning from mentee to mentorWhat makes a great paramedic mentor and leaderLessons learned from the graduate experienceHow mentorship shapes professional growthTune in for an insightful and honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and the journey from learning to leading in paramedicine. 🚑✨

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Inner Response Podcast. During this episode, we welcome back Troy Heise from Season 1 Episode 3 who shares his deeply personal and powerful story where he faced an unimaginable loss, emerging with new insights around grief, resilience and the importance of self-care. Troy's story is a testament to the power of sharing personal experiences and the critical role of support and connection in times of loss. We'll discuss Troy's return to work as a paramedic, the challenges and strengths he discovered along the way, and the strategies he employs to manage compassion fatigue. This episode is filled with practical advice, heartfelt moments, and a reminder that taking time for mental well-being is not just important but essential. Join us as we navigate the unpredictable world of paramedic work, balancing compassion and self-preservation, and hear Troy's inspiring story of healing and hope. Whether you're a paramedic, a healthcare professional, or someone seeking resilience in their own life, this episode is for you. Podcast Overview: Introduction and Rebranding of the Podcast Troy’s Personal Tragedy and Journey of Grief Returning to Work as a Paramedic Challenges and Strengths in the Workplace Managing Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care The Power of Sharing Personal Experiences Support and Connection in Times of Loss Coping Strategies and Returning to Work Navigating the Unpredictability of Paramedic Work Balancing Compassion and Self-Preservation The Importance of Emotional Resilience and Self-Care Addressing Personal Connections and Seeking Support Actions Speak Louder Than Words Dealing with Loss and Grief Understanding Triggers and Self-Care Taking Time Off for Mental Well-being The Emotional and Psychological Demands of the Job The Need for Clear Support Options Advice for Young Paramedics Being Prepared for the Unexpected Final Thoughts: Love Hard and Prioritise Self-Care With Love, MR.

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 1 of the newly launched Inner Response Podcast (previously The Paramedic Podcast). During this episode, we flip the switch and interview the host behind the podcast, Marissa Rose. We talk about her journey and the "why" behind The Paramedic Podcast and the recent rebrand to The Inner Response. Podcast Overview: Introduction The Impact of Traumatic Incidents Cumulative Effect and Breaking Point Finding Solace Through Equine Therapy Taking Time Off and Seeking Support Learning and Self Reflection Understanding Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences The Purpose of Helping Others in Emergency Services Thriving as a Paramedic Overcoming Challenges and Finding Resilience Pursuing Research in Neuroscience and Equine Therapy The Importance of Brain Imaging in Mental Health Empowering Paramedic Students on Self Care and Wellbeing Creating Redundancy in Sources of Happiness and Fulfilment Managing the Cost of Being a Paramedic A song - Inner Response, written for me by someone dear to my heart. Enjoy! MR.

Today, I have another incredibly resilient and knowledgeable man on the show. This guest has been a pioneer in his field for over 20 years and has been researching his area of expertise when it certainly was not of popular opinion. Challenging, and rightly so, years of controversial and less efficacious ways to treat and manage major mental ill health conditions, particularly those relating to trauma and frontline workers such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and suicidality. Today I welcome onto the show no other than Professor Jim Lagopoulos, the director of Thompson Insitute, located at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia which is a world-class hub for research, teaching and clinical services for Australia's most pressing mental health issues. This institute last year has been allocated $12.2 million from the Federal budget, $8.3 million of which is going towards establishing the National PTSD Centre which will be the hub of clinical and technical expertise in treatment for trauma-related mental health conditions. Join me as Jim and I discuss changes in brain chemistry, neuroscience, neuroimaging, ketamine in the treatment of PTSD and what it looks like tackling mental ill health from and chemical and biological perspective.

Today I welcome onto the show Jeff Sych, Jeff is a registered psychologist who has dedicated his private practice to the wellbeing and recovery of safety personnel. Jeff is trained in the assessment and evidence-based treatment of mental health conditions that arise from public safety personnel service but prefers to present on building resistance and resilience to encourage our peers to stay psychologically healthy. Jeff is a co-author of a 2022 published peer reviewed research study showing positive effects of high fidelity CISM programs on the mental health of first responders in Canada. Jeff facilitates courses titled "Assisting individuals in crisis", "group crisis intervention", "psychological body armour for emergency services and healthcare" and "resilient leadership for emergency services and healthcare". Join us as we explore this interesting new series looking at the mental health of frontline workers, red flags, definitions of mental ill health as it relates to frontline workers, cognitive load, burnout, resilience and finally post traumatic growth.

Welcome back to The Paramedic Podcast where I am joined by Dr Olivia Johnson where we discuss the difficult topic of suicide and all the factors surrounding it. Dr Olivia holds a masters in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri, St Louis and a doctorate in Organisational Leadership Management from the University of Phoenix. Dr Johnson is also the founder of the Blue Wall Institute where she trains first responders, families and administrators on wellness issues, suicide awareness and prevention and leadership issues. Today Olivia and I unpack all of her years of research into these issues and discuss the taboo of suicide in frontline workers, the “fatal 10”, how we can work together to prevent suicide and the importance of a safe and supportive workplace. Join me on this exciting episode and as always, reach out to me, your peers or loved ones if you require some support.

The Paramedic Podcast welcomes you back for the first episode of 2023. On a Sunday in January this year, I began contemplating my transition out of ambulance and all of the conflicting emotions I felt. After going through this mostly alone, I felt very isolated, depressed, confused and lost. I had such identity fusion with being a paramedic that when I decided to take the uniform off, I had no idea who I was. After connecting with fellow paramedic/firefighter, artist, keynote speaker and mental health advocate Daniel Sundahl I began to realise I wasn’t alone. This led to the creation of an exploratory survey where I asked my peers about their experiences exiting their respective service and, during part 1 of this 4 part series, Daniel and I unpack the survey and have some really compelling discussions about this hidden subject. Join us as we explore this topic and share our findings and personal experiences.

Have you ever thought about how your job affects the people around you? As paramedics, it is well known that our job can be incredibly challenging and thus can present complex reactions and behaviours. However, have you ever thought about how these reactions affect those who support you? Join us on this episode of The Paramedic Podcast where we are joined by Dr Sally Fitzpatrick to discuss this exact topic. On this episode, we delve into the affects supporting a paramedic can have on their family and friends and what support is available to this vital group of people. An area I haven’t given much thought, Dr Sally, a clinical psychologist and program lead for a free program specifically developed to help support those who support paramedics, goes into detail about the affects and strategies that can be used to help support YOUR paramedic. A fantastic episode, with insightful discussions and promoting this new, free program available to all.

During this episode we touch on some really insightful points relating to conflicts, both internal and external that Paramedics will face in the line of duty. Our internal and external environments have the capacity to leave scars and colour our world and perceptions, but how do we manage these conflicts and maintain clinical competency? How do we manage identity crisis, identify precursors to violence and break the hyper vigilance cycle? Today, we are joined by Mathew Wann, a nonverbal communications analyst, coach, and founder of The Unspoken Edge which teaches the benefits of nonverbal communication analytics to multiple government agencies. Mathew has over 20 years’ experience in nonverbal communication analytics and body language interpretation. Mathew served with the Australian Defence Force for over 15 years and was deployed many times. Mat is highly skilled in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and has led nonverbal communication integration into the combat behaviours training continuum. An expert in his field, Mat shares his knowledge in key areas to help us develop our practice. Enjoy.

Join me for episode 9 of the paramedic podcast where I delve into an extremely relevant and intriguing topic, sleep. Sleep plays an integral role in processing trauma, regulating stress, building emotional resilience and maintaining physical and emotional health. As shift workers, paramedics (and all those who fall under this umbrella) our sleep often takes a back seat, having deleterious affects on our physical and mental health. During this riveting episode we sit with Professor Michael Gradisar, a sleep researcher and clinical psychologist specialising in insomnia and circadian rhythms. Michael has experience treating sleep issues in those with trauma (eg, war veterans) and shift workers. His research spans areas such as insomnia, circadian rhythms, sleep and depression, technology use and sleep, fatigue, light and sleep, and pediatric sleep. He is the resident Sleep Expert for Oz Medicann Group, a company sourcing and providing natural remedies for sleep and insomnia.