MAKING CONNECTION.

RESOURCES FOR first responder families

As a first responder spouse and licensed clinician, I’m all too familiar with the unique challenges of couples in public safety. In my quest to help my relationship, I’ve compiled resources to help others.

Scroll to view upcoming courses, complimentary tools, book recommendations, and highlights from the 2024 First Responder Couple’s Questionnaire.

This course will provide real examples and practical tools for managing communication in the unique first responder couple’s relationship.

FIRST RESPONDER COUPLE’S QUESTIONNAIRE

The First Responder Couple’s Questionnaire was developed by two first responder spouses who had an interest in providing resources to others first responder couples. As Ohio Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, both Katie Szumigala (Phoenix 26 Consulting LLC) and Stacey Simon (Well Rooted Counseling, LLC) recognized the unique experiences of first responder couples and how the industry lacks in providing support for those at home.

In the process of developing an online course about communication in first responder couples, they opted to get some data from others to tailor their approach.

Katie and Stacey are not affiliated with any association or department. Data specifics were not reported to any other entity, only the summaries presented in the data analysis report.

Thank you to everyone who completed the questionnaire and provided valuable insight and experiences.

There are two ways to view the data

  1. Click “Download Full Report” and another browser tab will open with a PDF of the data analysis, including demographics and recommendations.

  2. Review the images below of highlighted data findings.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FIRST RESPONDER COUPLE’S QUESTIONNAIRE

complimentary tools and book recommendations

FAMILY ADJUSTMENT STYLES

In her book, “First Responder Families: Caring for the Hidden Heroes,” Dr. Tania Glenn describes three family adjustment styles for those in first responder families based on how they were introduced to the public safety world. For some, their lives changed dramatically, but for others, it was minimal. And of course, there’s everywhere in between. Here’s an overview of each style, what it might look like, and some tips for adjusting.

Download 3-page PDF

TRAUMA PROCESS TIMELINE

From accidents to natural disasters and everything in between, your first responder will face a host of traumas throughout their careers. For those with first responders in their life, this resource can help you understand each step of the trauma progress timeline for your awareness and to encourage your first responder to seek additional assistance, when needed.

Download 4-page PDF

There are definitely more books available, but these are the ones I’ve read.

FIRST RESPONDER FAMILIES: Caring for the Hidden Heroes by Dr. Tania Glenn

Lots of helpful info about what the first responder goes through and how that impacts the home.

Dr. Glenn has additional books and complimentary videos on her website https://www.taniaglenn.com/media/

FULLY INVOLVED by Dr. Mynda Ohs

Tailored to the couple with practical tools that I’ve actually used in my relationship. For those that are new to the fire/EMS world, Dr. Ohs walks through all the phases on the job in great detail.

The following books are on my list but not finished.

  • Dialed In: Trauma Informed Care for First Responders and the Military by Tania Glenn, PsyD, LCSW, CCPT and Rev. Christine E. Brunson, CCC-SLP

  • All Walks of Life (and Death): A Behind-the-Scenes Look at 42 Years as a Firefighter/Paramedic by John (Scooz) Spicuzza

  • Overcoming Tuesday: A First Responder’s Tale of Healing and Resiliency by Jim Burneka Jr. and Hilary Hawkins

If you have a book/practical tool recommendation or are looking for something specific you have yet to find, please send me a quick email so I can check it out.