Send us a textWhat if we could stop first responder PTSD before it starts? Susan Farren's life-changing revelation came at her darkest moment – facing a terminal cancer diagnosis after 30 years as a paramedic, when a surgeon casually mentioned they "see a lot of this in first responders." That pivotal comment launched her investigation into how trauma physically changes emergency responders, ultimately leading her to sell her home and create First Responder Resiliency, an organization t...
Send us a text
What if we could stop first responder PTSD before it starts? Susan Farren's life-changing revelation came at her darkest moment – facing a terminal cancer diagnosis after 30 years as a paramedic, when a surgeon casually mentioned they "see a lot of this in first responders." That pivotal comment launched her investigation into how trauma physically changes emergency responders, ultimately leading her to sell her home and create First Responder Resiliency, an organization that's now trained over 12,000 people nationwide.
The traditional first responder wellness program – what Susan calls "Suck It Up Buttercup" – clearly wasn't working. Despite existing support like CISM debriefings and employee assistance programs, rates of suicide, addiction, divorce, and depression continued rising among those who serve our communities. Susan realized something fundamental was missing: a proactive approach that addresses how trauma physically alters the brain and body before problems emerge.
Susan shares her personal journey through addiction, divorce, cancer, and suicidal thoughts with remarkable vulnerability, describing a moment when she found herself "howling like a wounded animal" in her trailer with a handgun, saved only by a random call from her manicurist. This dark night of the soul mirrors what countless first responders experience – trapped in isolation, ashamed to admit they're struggling, caught in what Susan describes as a tornado pulling all life's debris into its vortex.
The First Responder Resiliency program combines cutting-edge neuroscience with practical healing modalities like meditation, tactical yoga (taught by a 260-pound former military operator), and recently, healing drum circles led by Def Leppard's Rick Allen. These approaches reset the nervous system, helping participants escape the biochemical addiction to stress hormones that many first responders develop unknowingly. As Susan eloquently puts it: "I would love to get people meditating before we get them medicating."
Whether you're a first responder yourself or love someone who is, this conversation offers profound insights into how trauma changes us physically and mentally – and how we can heal before reaching crisis. Susan's revolutionary approach shows that true strength comes not from suppressing emotions but from understanding our nervous systems and learning tools to maintain balance throughout a challenging career.
Ready to transform your relationship with stress and trauma? Visit resiliency1st.org to learn about upcoming programs and how you can support this life-saving work.
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