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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
Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer explains how ego, burnout and the “Chiefs Against Virtually Everything” mindset can stall progress — and why leaders must choose growth over comfort
Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine details the seven components of this year’s annual event
From sleep and nutrition to trauma and gratitude, it’s time to take a big-picture approach to resilience built for the realities of the fire service
Dena Ali explains why firefighter wellness is established long before a bad call — through culture, communication and sleep habits
The former U.S. fire administrator details her new role at the Fire Safety Research Institute, plus ideas for how to better elevate the fire service at home and abroad