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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
FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito explains why fire and EMS work best as one agency — and what’s driving the department’s EMS staffing crunch
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department Captain Mark Killion details how to build realistic simulations — and the training culture that makes them work
Kentland (Md.) VFD Sergeant Alex Caldaro shares how culture, high standards and member buy-in keep a busy volunteer house staffed — without begging for members
After separate trips down under, Chief Caughey and Zam break down what Australian departments are ahead on, where they struggle and what U.S. firefighters can borrow
Retired Orlando firefighters Chris DeMaagd and Joseph McCluan share how a bench, a walk and firehouse camaraderie became a proactive approach to mental health