First responders and their families sacrifice themselves for service.
But trauma plaguing those who protect our communities can leave a lasting emotional scar.
Hundreds attended a conference for first responders and their families focused on trauma and healing.
“You see people typically on the worst day of their lives,” said Officer Randall Johnson, Cedar Park Police Department.
He says this takes a dramatic toll not just on first responders, but their families, as well.
“If you’re going to these scenes where people are experiencing trauma, and they too experience the trauma with the people that are involved. They take that back to their firehouses, EMS stations, police departments, the take it home to their families,” says Javier Bustos, one of the event organizers.
The two day event featured prominent speakers in the wellness community. Presenters broke down how mental stress can lead to a physical breakdown.
“If you don’t address those issues, it turns into in essence what I consider a powder keg for disaster,” said Officer Keco Motton, Cedar Park Police Department. "Me as a first responder, if I can heal myself I can better serve that community I’m working for.”
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