Derek O. Hanley is a paramedic and prior military combat medic, author of the book Photos From The Front Lines, and the founder of DOHP.net.

Social Media:

• Website: DOHP.net
• Instagram: @thatsdohp
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekohanley
• SF Chronicle feature: https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/art-exhibits/photographer-documents-alameda-county-first-responders-in-time-of-pandemic-protest
• EMS World feature: https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/emsworld/feature-story/your-job-captured-photos
• Link to book materials: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gf609gsaq6wbru7/AAA0YtGRDLc6HUmpQhlle0OLa?dl=0

Derek O. Hanley is a paramedic and prior military combat medic, author of the book Photos From The Front Lines, and the founder of https://www.dohp.net/. Derek endeavors to increase honor and respect for medics in society through photography and visual media.  After serving in the US Air Force as a paramedic and instructor, he worked as a civilian paramedic in New York and served a tour with the Army National as a combat medic and instructor. During his service, Derek received many commendations, including the Army Achievement medal, and a nomination for division soldier of the year. He has feature-length credits for cinematography, photography, and sound. Derek’s photos have also been heavily published in EMS World Magazine.

I saw so many similarities with Derek’s journey and my own. I really enjoyed this conversation. I could have chatted with him for hours longer I feel like. He articulates his journey so well. Listening to him describe the feelings of being burnt out and how he was fearful of it having a negative impact on his ability to operate resonated with me. It reminded me of that conversation I had with myself in Afghanistan after hitting our third IED in a few weeks. I remember something broke inside and for the first time ever I felt fear creep in. That fear never left. Like most fear in my life, I was able to move past it but it was always subtly nagging at me. I often wondered if it was also subtly influencing my decisions I made and if it would negatively impact my process in disarming IEDs.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Body Keeps The Score - Bessel Van Der Kolk (A game changing book on trauma)
• The Brain That Changes Itself - Norman Doidge (An amazing book on neuroplasticity)
• ‘Liberated Mind’ Steven Hayes
• ACT therapy
• Neurofeedback therapy
• RTMS
• Consistency with a Healthy Routine
• Good Support Structure
• Getting Out of the Four Walls (Get Outside)

We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.