In this episode, Annette Zapp shares her journey into the fire service and her challenges as a female firefighter. She emphasizes the importance of firefighter wellness and the need for proactive strategies to offload trauma and stress.
Annette discusses the four pillars of wellness: sleep, nutrition, mental health, and movement. She also highlights the impact of shame and gossip in the fire service and the need for self-awareness.
Annette challenges the idea of exercising in fire gear and advocates for fireground-specific training instead. This part of the conversation focuses on the challenges faced by female firefighters, the connection between mental and physical health, the importance of holistic wellness, the need for professional intervention in firefighter health and wellness, the flaws of fit-for-duty tests, strategies for helping firefighters improve their health and wellness, the role of mentors in fire service wellness, and the future of wellness in firefighting.
Finally, Annette shares her insights on the importance of human performance in fire departments and the need for collaboration and scaling. She emphasizes hiring meaningful professionals and provides information about an upcoming event in January.
The main takeaway is the importance of caring for one's mind and body through sleep, nutrition, mental health, and movement.
Takeaways
Connect with Annette HERE:
Work with FireRescueWellness
Please Like, share, follow, and subscribe!
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org