“The calmness comes because the fire alarm in the brain has stopped flogging your body.” That’s how Dr. Jim Lynch describes the effect of a stellate ganglion block — an injection he says turns off the unproductive and chronic fight-or-flight response experienced by many firefighters with PTSD or anxiety conditions. Dr. Lynch details the science behind the procedure, and Firefighter Paul Duran shares not only his experience the SGB procedure but also what made him seek out this treatment in the first place.
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. And don’t miss these upcoming savings:
Independence Day (ALL Brands)
- 10% off sitewide
- Dates: 7/1-7/4
- Code: REDWHITEBLUE
- Exclusions
Member Appreciation Week (TFS)
- 12% off sitewide + free shipping on $120+
- Dates: 7/7-7/11
- Code: MEMBERPERKS
- Exclusions
Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. You can also follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts. And email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.
Captain Marc Wysocki: It’s time to treat mental health like any other readiness standard
February 26, 2026 09:51 AM
February 19, 2026 10:55 AM
February 12, 2026 02:43 PM
February 05, 2026 10:21 AM
Chronic inflammation is driven by sleep disruption, poor nutrition, limited exercise and unresolved trauma
March 05, 2026 09:43 AM
·
The shift from the 12 MET benchmark to age- and sex-adjusted percentiles is reshaping how departments define fitness, risk and readiness
March 03, 2026 06:03 PM
·
Wellness screenings and fitness programs act as risk management tools for firefighter health
March 03, 2026 05:46 PM
·
Scrolling can’t save you — but a conversation might
March 03, 2026 02:29 PM
·
Make recovery your secret weapon for peak performance
March 03, 2026 11:34 AM
·
Try one (or all) of these ideas and make movement a priority — together!
March 02, 2026 12:26 PM
·
First Responder Wellness Week 2026 focuses on total wellness for true readiness
February 24, 2026 10:23 PM
·
There has been a broad decline in protective garment composite thermal protective performance levels recently
February 23, 2026 05:45 PM
·
Medford Fire’s hydration policy identifies triggers for administration of IV fluids — part of a three-pronged approach to rehab
February 19, 2026 10:21 AM
·
Closing the hood-to-mask and hood-to-collar gap helps reduce heat stress and contaminant exposure at a critical interface in the turnout ensemble
February 10, 2026 05:39 PM
·
