UNPACK THE BAG
Because you don’t have to carry it alone.
Remember that feeling when you first put on the uniform? The pride, the purpose, the calling to serve? Now fast forward through the years of calls, the late nights, the wins and losses, the moments that changed you. They all go into what I call your duffle bag of memories.
Some memories make the bag lighter—the lives you’ve saved, the difference you’ve made, the moments that remind you why you chose this path. But others… they add weight. The pediatric calls that haunt you. The ones you replay at 3 AM. The calls that make you hug your kids a little tighter.
That’s why Unpack the Bag was created.
Because the weight of service shouldn’t be carried alone.
Need immediate support?
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
- Fire/EMS Helpline 1-888-731-FIRE (3473)
- Copline 1-800-267-5463
- Veteran’s Crisis Line 988 & press 1 or Text 838255
- Frontline Helpline 1-866-676-7500
Articles on Resiliency for First Responders
Creating Your Power Move: A Personal Reset Button
As a first responder, you understand the importance of having reliable tools at your disposal. You maintain your equipment, practice your skills, and prepare for the unexpected. But what if you could create a personal tool that helps you reset your emotional state in moments of stress or uncertainty? Enter
When Self-Doubt Takes Root: Overcoming Fear of Failure in First Response
As a first responder, when was the last time you received genuinely positive feedback about your performance from a supervisor? If you’re like most, you probably hear about what went wrong far more often than what went right. This reality extends beyond our professional lives, creating a perfect storm for
Living Out Your Faith as a First Responder: Lessons from the Front Lines
In a profession where darkness often overshadows hope, where trauma is routine, and where cynicism can easily take root, how does a person of faith maintain their spiritual foundation while serving as a first responder? This question sits at the heart of a growing movement within America’s police, fire, and
The ABCDs of Natural Resilience: A Framework for First Responder Wellbeing
In the high-stress world of emergency services, resilience is an essential survival skill. Yet in the first responder community, discussions about resilience often focus on what to do after trauma occurs, rather than building the internal strength to weather challenges as they arise. The truth is, you already possess natural
Warning Signs of Excessive Stress: Your Body’s Check Engine Light
You know how your vehicle has warning lights that tell you something needs attention? Your body and mind have warning lights too. As a first responder, you’re trained to recognize critical signs in others, but are you paying attention to the signals your own system is sending? Just like ignoring
Personality-Based Learning Styles: Tailoring Training for Maximum Engagement and Retention
Have you ever wondered why some training sessions leave you energized and full of new insights, while others have you checking the clock every five minutes? Or why a colleague might rave about a workshop that left you completely disengaged? The answer often lies not in the content itself, but
The Three Components of Suicide Risk: Understanding the Warning Signs for First Responders
When we talk about suicide in the first responder community, it’s crucial to understand that suicide isn’t about wanting to die, it’s about wanting unbearable pain to end. Understanding this distinction matters deeply in how we help people who are struggling. Research has identified three key factors that, when combined,
Recognizing Stress Responses by Personality Type
In the high-pressure world of emergency services, stress is inevitable. The demanding nature of first responder work creates unique pressures that can eventually lead to burnout if not properly addressed. What makes early intervention challenging, however, is that stress manifests differently across personality types. While one team member might become
Four Ways First Responders May Cope with Stress
The nature of emergency response work exposes first responders to levels of trauma, suffering, and human tragedy that most people will never encounter. Witnessing critical incidents, life-threatening situations, and human suffering on a regular basis creates unique psychological challenges that require equally unique coping strategies. The human mind, ingenious in
Setting Boundaries Across Personality Types: Understanding Your Natural Style and Growing Beyond It
In today’s always-connected workplace, the ability to set healthy boundaries is an essential skill for professional success and emotional wellbeing. Yet despite its importance, boundary-setting remains one of the most challenging interpersonal skills to master. Why? Because our approach to boundaries is deeply rooted in our personality type, making it
The Power to Choose Our Response: Finding Strength in the Space Between
Let me share something personal with you. In 2011, I lost my dad. I was angry — angry at God, angry at my mom for not calling sooner, angry at my dad for not going to the ER because he didn’t have insurance. At the time, I was working urgent
Communication Styles Across Personalities: Your Guide to Being Heard and Understanding Others
In today’s diverse workplace, one of the greatest challenges teams face isn’t necessarily what’s being communicated—it’s how that information is shared and received across different personality types. You’ve likely experienced the frustration of sending what you thought was a crystal-clear message, only to have it completely misunderstood by a colleague.