Have you found the perfect career for you? Your calling?  The place where you feel totally alive?  Has the same thing that made you feel totally alive caused you harm emotionally, psychologically, or physically? In today’s episode, Autumn is bringing on her dear friend and first responder, who experienced just that. First responders never know what a day on the job is going to look like. Also, many are not prepared for what years of service will ultimately cost them. While they often deal with dangerous and life-threatening situations, the trauma and emotional stress that comes with their day-to-day life can take a toll on their mental health.  While they are taught how to learn how to use tools to save other’s lives, they rarely are given the tools on how to cope with the stress of the job or save their own life when faced with thoughts on not wanting to live anymore.  In this episode, Luis Martinez demonstrates courage, not by putting on a uniform and fighting fires, but by stepping into this space to share how he had to ask for help to learn to live his life alive again. He shares how hard it is for first responders to cope with the events that take place, techniques that help him cope, and why asking for help can be so hard. Luis is a retired Denver FireFighter Technician, with over 28 years in the fire service and 33 years in EMS. He recently completed his Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at Regis University. He is also teaching fire safety in Denver and moving forward in his career in fire safety with other departments. Tune in to better understand the mind of a first responder and techniques that may help you, a friend, or a loved one live on the other side of suffering. 

Here’s what we discussed in today’s episode:

• A deeper understanding into the life of a first responder
• How changing the narrative can change how you live 
• Healthy coping mechanisms that can help anyone deal with traumatic experiences
• Different ways to ask for help when you need it