E.202 First Responder Mental Health: Breaking the Silence

Resilience Development in Action

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What happens when those who run toward danger need help themselves? In this compelling conversation, host Steve Bisson sits down with Kevin Cornine, a former fire captain and battalion chief who's transitioning to a new role as a mental health counselor focused on supporting first responders.
Kevin shares his powerful story of serving 15 years in fire rescue while watching colleagues struggle with the profession's hidden costs. After his cousin, a detective, died by suicide in 2022, Kevin's path became clear – bridging the significant gap in cultural competency between mental health providers and the first responder community. "There's a large gap... it's a population, not necessarily a client," Kevin explains, highlighting how traditional therapeutic approaches often fail to recognize the unique needs of emergency personnel.
The conversation delves into the physical and emotional toll of emergency service work, from chronic sleep deprivation to the impossible choices made during crisis situations like hurricane season. Research shows that while spouses try to create opportunities for sleep recovery at home, they simultaneously experience resentment at their firefighter's unavailability for emotional support. This complex dynamic creates ripple effects throughout family systems that many therapists fail to fully comprehend.
Perhaps most enlightening is Kevin's practical advice for mental health professionals seeking to better serve this population. Rather than relying solely on training programs, he advocates for immersion experiences – spending time at fire stations, joining them for meals, and participating in debriefs after difficult calls. "Just sit at the table, just listen, watch," he suggests. "It's a family."
Whether you're a first responder seeking understanding, a mental health professional looking to better serve this community, or someone who cares about the wellbeing of those who protect us, this episode offers rare insights into a world where strength meets vulnerability. Join us as we explore how cultural competency can transform treatment outcomes for those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

We talked about several topics and here are some links to help you out:

-Second Alarm Project (https://2ndalarmproject.org/) in Florida want to help with education, peer support, and capacity building

-The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) (https://www.iaff.org/) is committed to support firefighters across the United States And Canada

-NextRung.org is committed to make sure firefighters across the country know they are not alone.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Resilience Development (00:00:00)

2. Meeting Kevin Cornyn: Firefighter to Counselor (00:04:01)

3. Cultural Competency in First Responder Care (00:10:47)

4. Sleep Deprivation and Family Impacts (00:17:09)

5. Working Through Hurricane Season Challenges (00:25:34)

6. Personal and Professional Trauma Responses (00:33:01)

7. COVID's Impact on First Responder Burnout (00:43:12)

8. Resources and Future Directions (00:53:34)