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.

Where First Responders Find Support

Every call, every scene, every life-changing moment adds something to your bag. At Unpack the Bag, we understand that weight. We’re here to help you navigate the unique challenges of emergency service life through:

Training That Makes a Difference

Resilience Awareness Training

Give your team practical tools to manage stress and prevent burnout. Learn more.

Personality Intelligence Training

Build stronger crews through better understanding of team dynamics. Learn more.

Resources You Can Trust

Our growing library of articles and resources covers topics that matter to first responders:

  • Recognizing signs of compassion fatigue
  • Managing the hypervigilance cycle
  • Building resilience strategies that work
  • Supporting fellow team members
  • Strengthening department dynamics

For Departments

Help your teams thrive with:

  • Customized training programs
  • Free weekly content to keep the conversation going
  • Leadership development resources
  • Tools for building resilient crews
  • Strategies for reducing turnover
  • Practical solutions for common challenges

For Individual First Responders

Access free resources to:

  • Develop effective coping strategies
  • Connect with peers who understand
  • Find practical support tools
  • Understand why you’re experiencing the emotions and responses you’re experiencing
  • Join our online Facebook Group
Discuss Training
Discussion Topics
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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

When Lives Are on the Line: Building Effective First Responder Teams

In emergency services, the difference between life and death often comes down to how well your team functions under extreme pressure. For firefighters, police, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders, effective teamwork isn’t just about organizational efficiency—it’s about saving lives. Patrick Lencioni’s influential book, The Ideal Team Player,

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Quote: One day you will hang up your gear for the last time, but you will never hang up your title as spouse and parent. Prioritize appropriately.

Your Job is Not Your Identity

I have the opportunity to teach classes to first responder agencies on a regular basis. While teaching a class back-to-back about personality types in the workplace in 2023, I experienced something remarkable. After each session, someone approached me with the exact same questions: “What happens when my identity is wrapped

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