45 - Collaborative Healing: Creating a Supportive Environment for First Responders

First Responder Wellness Podcast

45 - Collaborative Healing: Creating a Supportive Environment for First Responders

Mark Bouchard, a Canadian police officer and current coordinator of the RCMP's National Tactical Medicine Program, discusses the importance of mental health support for first responders. He shares his personal journey of experiencing trauma and struggling with PTSD, and how he eventually sought help and took control of his healing process. Bouchard emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how mental health is addressed within the first responder community, including the normalization of healthy coping strategies and the reduction of self-stigma. He also highlights the impact of trauma on police misconduct and the importance of early intervention and support for new recruits. The conversation explores the importance of connection and support in overcoming trauma and substance abuse. It emphasizes the value of group counseling and the role of role models and accountability in the recovery process. The discussion also delves into the need for leadership support and resources for law enforcement and first responders, as well as the importance of changing the public perception of policing. The conversation concludes with advice on taking action and seeking help for mental health issues.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mark Bouchard has 17 years of law enforcement experience in Canada, where he has primarily worked patrol and SWAT. He has ten years on the Emergency Response Team (SWAT), where he was also an advanced care tactical medic. Mark recently accepted a promotion to help lead the RCMP's National Tactical Medicine Program. He also has many years of experience instructing mental health (R2MR), as a peer to peer support member, and as part of the proactive support response team.

Mark also recently completed a master’s degree from Royal Roads University in leadership, with a research project focused on police culture and police officer mental health. Mark has combined his experiences and his research into a book called Setting My Sights on Stigma: Thoughts From an Injured Mind, which is available on Amazon. It is a combination of his experiences with his PTSD diagnosis, and the research that helped him to heal from his psychological injury. You can find a link to a free chapter from Mark's book on his website at:

https://markbouchard.ca/stigma/

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