first responder support

Picture yourself navigating the dynamic realm of law enforcement, not just within a single country, but across two distinct nations. In this enlightening discussion, we're joined by Amanda Coleman, the visionary behind Irish Angel, who takes us on a remarkable journey. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Amanda delves into the crucial realm of police mental health, shedding light on PTSD, and the contrasting challenges faced by law enforcement in both the United States and her homeland.

Drawing from her personal experiences, Amanda unveils the mission of Irish Angel—to establish a secure platform where first responders can exchange stories, forge connections, and access vital mental health resources.

Rarely do we have the opportunity to dissect the profound disparities between policing systems in the United States and Ireland, and even rarer still is the chance to do so with someone as insightful as Amanda. Together, we embark on a thorough exploration of training methodologies, rules of engagement, and structural distinctions between these two nations.

Amanda also guides us through the intricate landscape of rising crime rates in Ireland and its impact on the mental well-being of law enforcement personnel. The conversation takes a solemn turn as we address a frequently overlooked facet of law enforcement—the reactive crime centers, their dispatchers, and the emotional burdens they bear while grappling with guilt.

As we conclude our conversation with Amanda, we venture into the more somber aspects of first responder organizations, uncovering concerns related to corruption and competitiveness within group sessions. Amanda underscores the importance of involving professionals from outside the first responder community in these discussions. Additionally, we delve into the pivotal transition into retirement for law enforcement officers, emphasizing the significance of maintaining mental health post-retirement, and the indispensable role played by Irish Angel in this process.

Join us for this captivating dialogue with Amanda Coleman, as we navigate the intricate world of law enforcement, mental health, and the remarkable efforts of Irish Angel.

Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut

What First Responders do is extraordinary and they're also hit hard with PTSD - whether they realize that or not.

Retired RCMP officer, speaker & author, Cynthia Hamilton Urquhart shares her experience & knowledge of PTSD on this episode. Her recently published book "A First Responder Voice: A Guided First Responder Journal Encouraging Mental Health Care" helps first responders (& their support systems) understand that what they do is different, unusual, exceptional. This journal can be the first step in their mental health journey. A safe place to help them figure things out.

For more information you can find Cynthia online @ afirstrespondervoice.ca
Facebook: Cynthia Hamilton Urquhart
Instagram: afirstrespondervoice
LinkedIn: Cynthia Hamilton Urquhart

Get a copy of her book: "A First Responder Voice"

Watch the video of this interview on our YouTube channel.

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Our First Episode!!  This episode is about us and the journey of how we created this podcast.  We are 3 great friends who created our own support system as we raised our families in the first responder lifestyle.  Our confidential guests will share their stories in this safe space that didn't exist for us.  So Ride Along with us as we chronicle lessons learned and provide helpful resources to keep first responder families in the front seat!