EDMONTON
Information about Conference Speakers
On September 26, 2019, Legacy Place Society, in collaboration with local services, will co-host the First Responder and Military Personnel Mental Wellness Suicide Awareness Conference in Edmonton. The event, in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, will feature keynote speaker Joe Roberts, “The Skidrow CEO,” along with several experts discussing mental health, PTSD, addiction, and resiliency. The conference will provide valuable tools for first responders and military personnel to address trauma and mental wellness. Registration details and speaker lineup are available online.
SEE LINK FOR EDMONTON SPEAKER LINE UP AND REGISTRATION
YEG 2019 First Responder Conference Sponsorship
Keynote Speaker: Joe Roberts – “The Skidrow CEO”
Joe Roberts shares his transformative journey from homelessness to becoming a highly respected leader. His message on overcoming roadblocks and confronting limiting mindsets is both humorous and raw, tackling mental health and addiction. He has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal.
Speaker: Matt Petrie – “Big Boy’s Don’t Cry”
A retired RCMP officer and registered psychologist, Matt discusses the barriers to therapy for first responders and military personnel and how building resiliency can help overcome trauma.
Sean Conohan – “Crushing the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness”
A former paramedic, Sean uses his experience to speak openly about mental illness and PTSD in first responders. He hosts the UpTalk Podcast, sharing stories of hope and resilience.
Dr. Mark Kolodziej – “Life Satisfaction Post-Trauma”
Dr. Kolodziej, a psychotherapist, addresses trauma’s impact on sleep and relationships, offering insights into improving life satisfaction through therapy.
Teresa Coulter – “Lessons from a First Responder’s Art Studio”
Teresa uses art to express and address the mental health challenges first responders face. Her art and collaborations with various organizations aim to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.
Lisa & Mike Adams – “Peer Support, Marriage, and What to Do When the Call Comes In”
Lisa, a life coach, and Mike, a military veteran, share their personal journey with PTSD, the importance of peer support, and overcoming trauma together as a couple.
Lauren Hope-Cleveland – “Time: Its Value to Family and Soul”
Lauren, a corrections officer turned life coach, talks about balancing the unique challenges of a first responder career with family life and emotional well-being.
Speaker: Jack Rennie – “A Ship Is Safest When at Port”
Jack, an advanced care paramedic, discusses the challenges of mental health in first responders and his efforts to improve wellness within the profession, including his yoga practice and PTSD awareness campaign.
This conference offers diverse perspectives on mental health, resilience, and trauma recovery for first responders and military personnel.
CALGARY
On September 19, 2019, Legacy Place Society will join forces with key first responder and emergency service organizations to host the fourth annual First Responder Suicide Awareness Conference in Calgary. This important event, aligned with World Suicide Prevention Day, aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges, promote resilience, and focus on suicide prevention efforts within the first responder community. Partners include the Calgary Police Service, Fire Department, Alberta Health Services-Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management Association, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, hear from inspiring speakers, and participate in critical discussions surrounding mental health and suicide prevention in high-stress professions.
Details about the agenda, speaker lineup, and registration will be available soon. Stay connected for more updates and ensure your spot at this vital event.
SEE LINK FOR CALGARY SPEAKER LINE UP AND REGISTRATION
The Culture of “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” is Killing Firefighters (and First Responders)
In the fire service, the dangerous culture of “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” is contributing to a deadly crisis: sleep loss is taking the lives of firefighters and first responders. Mental health discussions must shift away from speculative causes and face the cold, hard truth: sleep deprivation is killing our heroes.
As a family that has experienced the devastating loss of my husband’s partner, we know the harsh reality of this issue all too well. In a roundtable discussion with peer support firefighters, the topic of sleep deprivation and its direct link to suicide sparked national concern. One firefighter skeptically mentioned that convincing peers about the impact of sleep loss on suicide would be challenging. But this isn’t a matter of opinion—it’s a hard fact. Sleep loss is killing firefighters.
Suicide as a Line of Duty Death (LODD)
Suicide remains the silent LODD—an issue that many refuse to address. However, recent research has provided a new, scientifically-backed understanding of suicide within the fire service. Chronic sleep deprivation plays a major role in causing suicidal ideation. A groundbreaking 10-year study by Stanford University researchers found a direct connection between sleep disruption and suicide in adults, with 20 suicides recorded among those with chronic sleep disturbances. This is just one glimpse into the lethal world of sleep deprivation within the firefighting profession.
Why Sleep Loss Contributes to Suicide Among Firefighters
Here are three crucial ways sleep loss contributes to suicidal thoughts and outcomes:
- Sleep Deprivation in Firefighters: Stripping the Balance
Sleep deprivation significantly impacts serotonin and dopamine levels, neurotransmitters linked to mood regulation and motivation. Chronic sleep restriction leads to serotonin receptor desensitization, causing depression and emotional instability. Reduced dopamine receptors further fuel impulsive behavior and emotional distress, contributing to a higher risk of suicide.
- Brain Hijack: The Impact on Decision-Making
Sleep deprivation triggers the fight-or-flight response, flooding the brain with cortisol, a stress hormone. Repeated exposure to high cortisol levels damages critical brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which are responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and memory. This “brain hijack” leads to irrational behavior and a reduced capacity for rational thought, increasing the likelihood of harmful actions.
- REM Sleep: The Crucial Stage
REM sleep is vital for emotional processing and stability. Firefighters often experience disrupted sleep, which prevents them from entering REM sleep. As a result, their bodies fail to process emotions properly, leading to depression, irritability, and emotional instability. The loss of REM sleep is a significant contributor to the psychological toll and suicidal ideation among first responders.
The Need for Cultural Change in the Fire Service
It’s time to address the culture of neglect around sleep deprivation in firefighters. Leaders must recognize that the old “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” mentality is putting lives at risk. The physiological evidence is clear: sleep is essential for mental wellness and survival. It’s crucial to shift the firehouse culture to one that prioritizes rest and recovery.
In Honor of Firefighter Michael Jeffries
This article honors the memory of Denver Firefighter Michael Jeffries, who tragically succumbed to suicide in 2016. By spreading awareness about the dangers of sleep deprivation, we hope to prevent further losses and support the well-being of first responders everywhere.
Written by Jacqueline Toomey, Founder of the First Responder Sleep Recovery Program
Family Camp for First Responders and Military Personnel – 2019
May 17–20, 2019 | Camp Evergreen, Sundre, Alberta
Reconnect. Re-energize. Create Lasting Memories.
Join us for the annual Legacy Place Society Family Camp on the May long weekend, designed exclusively for first responders, emergency services, and military families. Escape the stress of everyday life, enjoy simple camping pleasures, and build deeper connections with your loved ones and community.
Why Attend the 2019 Legacy Place Family Camp?
- All-Inclusive Weekend:
- Nine meals and day snacks provided—no meal prep, dishes, or cleanup required!
- Disconnect from distractions like cell phones and social media.
- Fun and Relaxing Activities for All Ages:
- Campfires filled with laughter and songs.
- Adrenaline-filled adventures: horseback riding, wall climbing, and ziplining.
- Arts, crafts, and team-building activities for kids and teens.
- Building Resiliency and Family Legacies:
- Professional workshops focus on strengthening relationships, parenting strategies, and building resiliency within first responder and military families.
- Discussions designed to promote confidence, communication, and connection for individuals of all ages.
About the Venue
Held at Camp Evergreen 2019, just minutes from Sundre, Alberta, the campsite offers a fantastic outdoor experience with beautiful natural surroundings, excellent facilities, and activities for the whole family.
What to Expect:
- Thought-Provoking Conversations: Resiliency-building sessions for parents, couples, and families.
- Kids & Teen Programs: Age-appropriate activities to encourage confidence and self-reflection.
- Quality Family Time: Bond with loved ones and create new friendships within a supportive community.
Space is Limited – Register Early!
- Registration Deadline: January 31, 2019
- Cost: Significantly reduced thanks to Legacy Place Society supporters.
- Contact Us for Details:
Make the Most of Your May Long Weekend
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to relax, re-energize, and reconnect with your family and peers. The 2019 Family Camp promises a weekend filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories.
Secure your spot today—space fills up quickly!
GoFundMe: Support Legacy Place Society
We’re excited about the progress made with GoFundMe, a giving platform that connects the general public to meaningful causes. Now, registered charities like Legacy Place Society can leverage GoFundMe’s platform for fundraising, thanks to its partnership with the PayPal Giving Fund.
How It Works:
- Charitable Tax Receipts: Contributions made via GoFundMe provide an immediate charitable tax receipt issued through the PayPal Giving Fund.
- Fund Distribution: The PayPal Giving Fund will transfer funds raised on GoFundMe to the charity after a 45–90 day processing period.
Make a Difference Today:
Click here to support Legacy Place Society on GoFundMe.
Our Mission
To provide empathetic support that fosters resiliency for first responders, military personnel, and their families.
Our Vision
To ensure that all first responders and military personnel can easily access resources that build individual and family resiliency.
Our Objectives
- Safe and Confidential Accommodations:
We provide secure housing for first responders and military personnel, offering them a safe environment with access to professional support to recover from challenging situations.
- Confidential Crisis Response Line:
Our crisis response line connects first responders and military personnel to peer and professional support, ensuring help is just a call away.
- Mental Health and Suicide Awareness:
We organize and facilitate mental health and suicide awareness conferences to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and provide critical resources within military and law enforcement communities.
Support Legacy Place Society Today!
Your contribution helps us continue our mission of supporting first responders and military personnel when they need it most. Donate Now on GoFundMe.
