Despite the widespread belief that people either have the ability to stay emotionally strong during difficult situations or you don’t, resilience isn’t an innate quality or ability. And for those who are resilient, it rarely comes easily. There are specific, trainable things that resilient people do to build their resilience levels.

For first responders, in order to be resilient in the face of adversity, they need to be aware of the challenges they face, identify the gaps in their current skill set, and add strategies that help them cope. Using this methodical approach can help reduce the stigma and allow people who might not otherwise be comfortable addressing gaps in their resilience toolbox. 

Not only is the job difficult, but the public scrutiny on those that serve the public adds a new layer of pressure that’s causing teams, staffers, and squads to experience stress and burnout at higher levels than ever. 

​Characteristics of Resilient First Responders

• They know their good and bad habits and know how to mitigate their bad habits.  
• They are optimistic that the future will be better and they can take positive actions to make it happen.  
• They are realistic about what they’re facing.  
• They have good support systems  
• They prioritize self-care and deliberate recovery.  
• They know that getting knocked down isn’t the end.
• They know when to ask for help

What is the impact of having resilient people on my team?

With greater levels of individual and team resilience, you can expect to see greater workplace engagement and productivity, better problem solving, less burnout,, fewer injuries and illnesses, fewer conflicts within the workplace, greater recovery during time off (your people are more refreshed and ready to return to work after time off), decreased anger and frustration, decreased reckless behavior, decreased anxiety, depression and substance abuse.  

In short, your people show up, work smarter, get hurt less, cause fewer problems, and reduce administrative stress.  

Tools for First Responder Resilience

First Responder Resilience eBook

Learn more about this resource written for first responders.  This targeted, information packed eBook teaches ten evidence based tools for first responders to build resilience. These tools can be implemented individually or across an agency immediately.

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First Responder ​Resilience WODs 

Learn more about the 30 day Resilience Workout of the Day (WOD) Challenge for first responders.  This program will help focus on what skills it takes to build resilience, and to help you build an effective, focused, and resilient team.  

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