23-All-in to help first responders. With Darren Purcell

First Responder Wellness Podcast

23-All in on helping first responders. With Darren Purcell

Some first responders go their entire career and don’t realize how the job is impacting them. That's what happened with Darren Purcell. About nine months into his retirement, after 35 years of being a fire fighter and paramedic, the trauma of the job caught up with him. But Darren got help.

Darren has turned his recovery into a personal mission to help as many first responders as he can. In 2023, with the help of his church, he launched a first responder support group. In fact he and his wife both help lead support groups at Saddleback Church. Darren’s wife, Jody helps lead the First Responder spouse support group.

Listen to his inspiring story.

ABOUT DARREN PURCELL
Darren served the Orange County Fire Authority for 35 years as a firefighter, paramedic, and captain. He worked all the busy stations and also involved in training, mentoring and helping young aspiring fire fighters. He never thought about PTSD while doing the job.
First Responders Wellness at Saddleback Church

This support group is like no other. This is a place for first responders and first responders only. We share a common bond and experience things in our work that are unique to our profession. The things we see affect every person differently. Some of us have no issues at all and some have major issues. The hours we work, the lack of sleep, and the different types of people we encounter all have effects on our well-being and if not addressed properly can come out in a variety of ways. Every single person has a different story and a different way this affects them, but we all get it. This is a place to share, listen, learn, and have a space to transform our behavior. It’s not impossible alone, but it’s not the best way to get better. It’s a fact that more first responders die from suicide each year than on duty. This is a place not only to get the help you need, but we will teach you how to take this hurt and use it to help others.

This support group meets in-person the first Tuesday of every month at the Saddleback Lake Forest campus and meets online the third Tuesday of every month.

https://saddleback.com/connect/ministry/first-responders-wellness/lake-forest?

Contact Darren [e-mail] 949-233-6808 First Responders Spouse Support Group
Our first responder spouse support group is a community of individuals who share a common experience of being married to first responders such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel. The group is rooted in the belief that faith can provide strength, comfort, and support to spouses facing the unique challenges of being married to first responders.

The primary purpose of the group is to provide emotional and spiritual support to spouses of first responders. Members of the group share their experiences, concerns, and struggles with one another in a safe and confidential environment. The group provides a space for spouses to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, which can help to reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community. Overall, the first responder spouse support group provides a space for spouses to come together, share their experiences, and find strength and support in their faith as they navigate the unique challenges of being married to a first responder.

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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
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