summaryIn this episode of A Duty to Act, host Jennifer Darling speaks with Mike Hilley, a retiring administrator and paramedic with over 30 years of experience in emergency medical services. Mike shares his journey from the Coast Guard to becoming a firefighter and paramedic, discussing the challenges and rewards of his career. He reflects on the evolution of EMS, the importance of community service, and the future of paramedicine in addressing modern healthcare challenges. This conversation explores the integration of community health into emergency medical services (EMS), the evolving career pathways for paramedics, and innovative approaches to address the opioid crisis through medication-assisted treatment. The discussion highlights the importance of building a behavioral health campus to provide comprehensive care and the significance of leadership in EMS.

takeaways

• Mike Hilley has over 30 years of experience in EMS.
• His career began in the Coast Guard, where he was encouraged to serve his community.
• He transitioned from the Coast Guard to the fire department in Juneau, Alaska.
• Mike's early experiences included volunteering in hospitals and fire departments.
• He became a paramedic after completing a program in King County.
• Mike worked for nearly 28 years at the Redmond Fire Department before becoming EMS Director in Bellingham.
• He emphasizes the importance of data in improving EMS systems.
• Mike's education includes a master's degree in health sciences managing emergency services.
• He discusses the challenges EMS faces with modern issues like behavioral health and the opioid crisis.
• Mike hopes to influence the future of EMS through technology and community engagement. Community health integration is essential for effective EMS.
• Paramedics need diverse career pathways to maintain engagement.
• Innovative mobile health programs can address community needs.
• The opioid crisis requires urgent and multifaceted responses.
• Medication-assisted treatment is a critical tool in emergency care.
• Behavioral health resources are vital for comprehensive patient care.
• Leadership in EMS can drive positive change in communities.
• Grants and funding are crucial for developing health programs.
• Overcoming barriers to wellness is a community effort.
• Reflecting on a career in EMS highlights the importance of service.

Summary

In this conversation, Jennifer interviews Sonia Jorgensen, a US Navy veteran and founder of Hooves and Heroes, a nonprofit organization that connects veterans and first responders with horses for therapeutic experiences. Sonia shares her journey of founding the organization, the healing power of horses, and how they provide immediate feedback to humans about their emotional and physical states. The discussion delves into the importance of awareness, community, and the unique approach of equine assisted learning as a supportive method for mental health without the stigma of traditional therapy. In this conversation, Sonia Jorgensen discusses her journey in healthcare leadership, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and the lack of support for first responders. She emphasizes the importance of community and resources for mental health, particularly for first responders and veterans. Sonia introduces equine-assisted learning as a therapeutic approach that helps individuals regulate their emotions and connect with their environment through interactions with horses. The discussion covers various exercises and techniques used in sessions, highlighting the benefits of breathwork and the horse-human connection in emotional healing.

summaryIn this conversation, state representative Peter Abbarno discusses House Bill 1002, which aims to provide PTSD coverage for medical examiners and coroners in Washington State. He shares insights on the unique stresses faced by these professionals, the legislative process involved in authoring the bill, and the importance of community input in shaping policy. The discussion also touches on the funding mechanisms for the bill and the broader implications for public service providers dealing with mental health issues. In this conversation, Peter Abbarno discusses the importance of addressing stress and PTSD in first responders, his journey into politics driven by a desire to improve his community, and his current legislative focus on securing funding for fire districts. He emphasizes the need for community engagement in the legislative process and encourages individuals to share their ideas with their representatives.

takeaways

• The bill aims to recognize PTSD for medical examiners and coroners.
• Community input is crucial for effective legislation.
• Medical examiners are often overlooked in discussions about PTSD.
• The average tenure for medical legal death investigators is about five years.
• Funding for the bill comes from the existing workers' compensation system.
• PTSD treatment can be complex and costly.
• The bill is currently in the rules committee awaiting further action.
• There is a significant need for stress mitigation resources for these professionals.
• Legislators often hear about issues directly from constituents.
• The bill has the potential to impact a small but important group of workers. We need to do a better job identifying stressors.
• First responders require adequate treatment for PTSD.
• Community engagement is crucial for effective legislation.
• Peter Abbarno's political journey is driven by family values.
• Funding for fire districts is essential for community safety.
• Legislators are accessible and open to new ideas.
• Grants for fire districts can improve infrastructure and resources.
• Public service should be motivated by community needs.
• The legislative process can take time and persistence.
• Successful policy ideas often originate from community input.