Leave Some Tracks - With Guest Gerald Mishoe

All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness Podcast

Have you ever wondered about the mental health challenges faced by our bravest, the firefighters, and how they cope? Join us as we sit down with Gerald Mishoe, the Executive Director of the Low Country Firefighter Support Team in South Carolina. Gerald's background as the son of a firefighter and his eventual career in the fire department uniquely positions him to lead this vital support program. From the tragic Charleston 9 incident to the evolution and expansion of mental health support for first responders, Gerald takes us through an inspiring journey that underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and support in this high-stress profession.
Dive deep into the world of first responders and their mental health as Gerald gives us a firsthand view of the changes that have occurred over the years. He talks about the $15,000 benefit plan available for first responders, the success stories born out of it, and how this reflects the changing attitudes towards mental health in the fire service. The conversation helps us understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but the first step towards healing and resilience. Crucially, it serves as a stark reminder of the progress made and the miles yet to go in eradicating the stigma associated with mental health, especially among our heroes in uniform.
Finally, we explore the power of peer support in the firefighting community, a theme close to Gerald's heart. Whether it's connecting a colleague to a rehabilitation program or showing up for a friend diagnosed with terminal cancer, the importance of being there for one another cannot be overstated. Gerald's stories serve as poignant reminders of the essential role relationships play in the fire service. Regardless of whether you're a first responder or not, there's a wealth of wisdom in this conversation about the transformative power of empathy and understanding. Tune in, and let's learn together, for in supporting one another, we build a stronger, more resilient community.
Gerald Mishoe Bio:
Gerald Mishoe has been involved in the Fire Service since 1967 as a firefighter, paramedic, company officer, and a chief officer. He was inducted into the South Carolina State Firefighter Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2007, he led the development of a counseling unit for the Charleston Fire Department after the tragic deaths of nine Charleston firefighters in the Sofa Super Store Fire.

In 2012, he was one of the founders of the South Carolina Firefighter Assistance and Support Team that provides behavioral health care for emergency services personnel across the state. In 2013, the Charleston Firefighter Support Team transitioned to a non-profit organization, the Lowcountry Firefighter Support Team, that now serves twenty-three counties in the State with a comprehensive peer and clinical based program.

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Chapters

1. Leave Some Tracks - With Guest Gerald Mishoe (00:00:00)

2. Firefighter Health Awareness and Support Program (00:00:03)

3. Changing Stigma (00:10:17)

4. Peer Support for First Responders (00:13:35)

5. Peer Support & Mental Health Importance (00:23:50)

6. Importance of Being There for People" (00:36:47)