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Operational readiness starts with mental health

Captain Marc Wysocki: It’s time to treat mental health like any other readiness standard

Mental health shouldn’t be treated as a crisis — it should be part of our operational readiness. That’s the charge from Captain Marc Wysocki, who joins Zam for a discussion on the cultural changes needed to address mental health, the implications of assigning your job as your identity, and how to do a “personnel 360” to for your crew. Plus, Wysocki shares the personal experiences and research findings behind his article, “Behind the mask: Uncovering the root causes of mental health challenges in the fire service,” which won top honors in Darley’s annual essay contest.

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

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Previously on the Better Every Shift Podcast
Senior investigator Wesley Attwood details explains how NIOSH investigations begin, what investigators look for and how crews can put the report findings to work
Zam shares four practical strategies to improve communication, build trust and strengthen leadership
Captain Jim Barnhart explains why alternative energy systems are changing the fireground faster than many departments can adapt — and how to close the gap
The new U.S. Wildland Fire Service director shares his vision for a more unified, firefighter-focused wildfire response
Andrew Klein details the terrifying fire that changed his life, plus how he’s managing his mental health