EMS Behavioral Emergencies - Social Anxiety In A Time Of Normality

As EMS providers, it's crucial to have a well-rounded understanding of various medical conditions and mental health issues to offer the best care possible to patients. 

Social anxiety is one such condition that can significantly impact a patient's well-being and response to treatment. Here's what you need to know about this topic:

Recognizing Social Anxiety

Feelings of anxiety can be a common response when individuals are exposed to unfamiliar situations or new people. When people experience social anxiety, they may feel apprehensive or awkward when around others and might find it uncomfortable to engage in conversations. These feelings often improve as individuals become more familiar with their surroundings and peers.

Social Phobia

Social anxiety, when it becomes debilitating and significantly affects a person's life and choices, is referred to as social phobia. It can hinder one's ability to participate in social situations or even be around other people. EMS providers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of social phobia, as patients with this condition may experience heightened distress during medical emergencies.

The Impact of Social Anxiety

People with social anxiety fear negative evaluation by others and worry about potentially embarrassing themselves. They are concerned about being judged for displaying physical signs of anxiety, such as blushing, shaking, or sweating. This fear often leads individuals to avoid social situations where they might be scrutinized. For EMS providers, this avoidance can complicate patient interactions during emergencies, as those with social anxiety may be particularly distressed by the presence of unfamiliar individuals.

EMS Providers' Role

EMS providers should approach patients with social anxiety with sensitivity and empathy. Understanding that these individuals may experience heightened anxiety in social situations is essential. It's important to create a calm and non-judgmental environment during patient care. Effective communication can make a significant difference in how patients with social anxiety respond to treatment.

Seeking Help

Encourage patients to seek professional help for their social anxiety. It's a real challenge, but there are treatments available that can significantly improve their quality of life. By offering support and information about available resources, EMS providers can contribute to their patients' overall well-being.

Recognizing social anxiety and its impact on patients is vital for EMS providers. Compassion, patience, and effective communication are key when providing care to individuals with social anxiety. By acknowledging this condition and offering support, EMS providers can make a positive difference in the lives of those they serve.

#Anxiety #LifeIsPrecious #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreStrong #SocialAnxiety

Black Lives Matter - Perspective

#BlackLivesMatter #Perspective #BeAntiRacist
#ClaireSaccardi #CareForYourCommunity

Recreate Responsibly Campaign

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives and caused a great deal of uncertainty, including how we get outdoors. 

We’ve all been looking for advice on how to get outside, and now we have answers from the Recreate Responsibly Coalition. 

Following these new guidelines will help avoid further outbreaks and keep our parks, trails, and beaches open to the public. 

As you get back out there, the #RecreateResponsibly guidelines will also help you be prepared in any situation you encounter, such as an unexpected trailhead closure or lack of available restroom facilities. 

Help the #RecreateResponsibly guidelines reach far and wide. Share your commitment to #RecreateResponsibly by using the hashtag on social media. Or use the toolkit available on the website to share the guidelines on your social media channels.

#RecreateResponsibly #LeaveNoTrace #BePrepared

Our History - The Greenwood Massacre

Ninety-nine years ago the first bombs ever dropped on American soil were dropped on the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Ok. At the time it was the wealthiest black community in the country, also known as “Black Wall Street”.

Greenwood - the most preeminent Black community in the United States at the time and 35 square blocks - was home to 10,000 residents and contained scores of Black-owned businesses, hotels, restaurants, law offices, doctors offices, movie theaters, and more. Following a false, racially infused accusation made by a white woman about a black man in a downtown elevator, many of the nearly 3,200 Klan members in Tulsa and countless more white vigilantes armed themselves with firearms and marched North to Greenwood.

They opened fire in the streets, set businesses and homes ablaze and dropped napalm-style bombs from fertilizer planes flying overhead. 

With the “help” of the national guard and the local police force, they arrested nearly 6,000 black residents and forced them into temporary internment camps in the Brady Theater (now a popular Tulsa music venue) while their thriving community was systematically leveled. Many of those imprisoned were starved, beaten, and killed in the same space the city hosts jubilant concerts in today.

In just a few short days, Greenwood was completely destroyed and nearly every single one of its 10,000 residents were left homeless. While the official death toll from the Americans Red Cross at the time caps the loss of life at 300, some researchers estimate that the true number could rival that of Pearl Harbor and the September 11th attacks.

The Tulsa Race “Massacre” (NOT riot) was one of the greatest terror attacks in the history of this country, and yet it is so frequently missing from the pages of our history books. When it is mentioned, it is given the false label of “riot” - implying that, somehow, the Black community of Greenwood was complicit in the attack. They were not.

This is what whitewashed history does - it allows us to choose not to face the true horrors of our past, thereby absolving us of responsibility to rectifying it.

Regardless of where you live - it’s incumbent upon us (especially white people - who benefit from the same system that allowed this attack to occur, protected its perpetrators from legal action, precluded it’s victims from receiving compensation, and swept it from the view of the masses for generations) to seek out the stories that have been purposefully hidden or misrepresented in order to continue perpetuating false, placated narratives of our country’s past.

Once we know - we need to act. Share your knowledge of our past with others. Learn about implicit biases and check your own consistently.

Look at current events through a lens of systemic racism and call it out. Support Black-owned businesses and businesses run by other communities of color - use your money as a tool to help the right centuries of wrongdoings.

Support organizations like the Greenwood Cultural Center who fight to preserve this history and restore the community of Greenwood.

The story of Greenwood is not an isolated one. We have so much work to do as a country to undo a history of violence and oppression against communities of color — and it all starts with knowing.

#BlackLivesMatter #BeAntiRacist #CareForYourCommunity

Thought For The Day

It is unfortunate that we often forget about the importance of gratitude. It is simply a thankful appreciation for what we receive, from others, and life in general. 

Being grateful is a way to acknowledge the kindness and goodness that exists in the world. I am grateful for my friends, my loved ones, and for being alive.

#LifeIsPrecious #Gratitude #Kindness

Thought For The Day

With all the darkness that is in the world right now, and to everyone who faces their own internal struggles on a daily basis, how about we embrace our humanity and carry this straightforward but compassionate message into the new month ahead.

#LifeIsPrecious #YouAreWorthIt #Mindfulness

Thought For The Day

You are holding a cup of coffee when someone comes along and bumps into you or shakes your arm, making you spill your coffee everywhere.

Why did you spill the coffee? 

"Because someone bumped into me!!!"

Wrong answer.

You spilled the coffee because there was coffee in your cup. 

Had there been tea in the cup, you would have spilled tea.

*Whatever is inside the cup is what will spill out.*

Therefore, when life comes along and shakes you (which WILL happen), whatever is inside you will come out. It's easy to fake it, until you get rattled.

*So we have to ask ourselves... “what's in my cup?"*

When life gets tough, what spills over?

Joy, gratefulness, peace, and humility? 

Anger, bitterness, harsh words, and reactions? 

Life provides the cup, YOU choose how to fill it. 

Today let's work towards filling our cups with gratitude, forgiveness, joy, words of affirmation; and kindness, gentleness, and love for others. 

(Shared from a friend whose cup is full of goodness and inspiration.)

#LifeIsPrecious #Perspective #Inspiration 

#Goodness #Mindfulness

Copying With Anxiety In A Time Of COVID-19

 Illustrator: Kate Allen

It is not uncommon to experience anxiety and fear when hearing information about an infectious disease that is impacting individuals across the globe. Social distancing is also causing us all to temporarily change our daily routine, which can feel uncomfortable.

It is important to learn the facts related to the risks and speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have about your own health and COVID-19. If you are experiencing anxiety or fear related to COVID-19, these tips may help you feel more comfortable. 

It is normal to feel a range of emotions when you hear about COVID-19 in the news or in your social/family circle. Emotions may include:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Fear
• Anger

Everything you feel and think is normal. However, at times our feelings keep us from living our day to day life in a way that works for us. This can happen when our emotions impact our ability to make decisions or carry on with our activities of daily life. 

If you ever feel overwhelmed by your feelings, there are actions you can take to begin to feel more in control. Options to help you deal with your feelings include:

• Hobbies

• Exercise

• Meditation

• Listening to music
• Take time outdoors
• Talking to your doctor
• Talk to your friends and family
• Talking to a mental health professional

• Taking a break from news media and social media

• Learning about COVID-19 and understanding the actual risks

Learning the facts about COVID-19 can be the most helpful way to help alleviate anxiety and fear. For official guidance, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control website and the Wyoming Information Sharing Platform (WISP).

Once you educate yourself, if you are still feeling anxiety, it may be helpful to get understanding and empathy from a mental health professional who is knowledgeable about anxiety and how to manage it.

For immediate and confidential support 24/7, you can call 211. If you see a mental health professional already, this would be a good time to call and speak to them about your thoughts and feelings.

Give yourself time and space to talk about how you feel anytime your thoughts and emotions become intrusive or uncomfortable. You always deserve the opportunity to explore what is on your mind, and help is always available by calling 211. 

Learning the facts about COVID-19, washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and finding activities that distract you from virus news are all excellent ways to make yourself feel better. Know that there is a wealth of resources, education, and support available to you.

 Illustrator: Kate Allen

#Anxiety #YouAreStrong

#LifeIsPrecious #DuringATimeOfPlague #MentalHealthMatters

Thought For The Day

Communicating effectively in a relationship, be that a friendship or a marriage, is one of the most powerful ways that human beings can strengthen the bond between them. 

Communicating in a healthy, productive way is much more effective and shows greater respect towards others in your life.

#Communication #Listen #Feelings 

#Mindfulness #Respect

Thought For The Day

#LifeIsPrecious #AMomentInTime #MentalHealth

Why I Wear A Mask In A Time Of COVID-19

I wear a mask in public, not for me, but for YOU. I want you to know that I am educated enough to know that I could be asymptomatic and still give you the virus.

No, I don’t “live in fear” of the virus, I just want to be a part of the solution, not the problem. I don’t feel like the “government is controlling me”, I feel like I’m being a contributing adult to society and I want to teach others the same.

The world doesn’t revolve around me. It’s not all about me and my comfort. If we all could live with consideration for other people, this whole world would be a much better place. Wearing a mask doesn’t make me weak, scared, stupid, or even “controlled”, it makes me considerate.

When you think about how you look, or how uncomfortable it is or what others think of you, just imagine someone close to you. A father, a mother, grandparent, Aunt or uncle choking on a respirator. Then ask yourself if you could have sucked it up a little for them.

Feel free to copy and paste and share. I did. 😊

#WearAMask #WashYourHands 

#StayHome #COVID19 #DuringATimeOfPlague

Why Am I Posting This? So We Don’t Forget....

Why am I posting this? So we don’t forget.... 😷🧤😥

Today is Sunday, April 26, 2020. Next year & then every year after, this status will appear in my memories feed, for as long as Facebook exists. And it will be an annual reminder that life is precious & that nothing should be taken for granted. 

We are where we are with what we have. Let's be grateful 💜

- We are at 39 days of social isolation.

- The Dollar is worth $ 5.32, the Euro $ 5.77, and the British Pound $ 6.54.

- Schools have been closed since mid-March and are teaching remotely on-line. This will continue for the rest of the school year.

- There are lines / tapes inside the stores to keep people 6 feet apart.

- Bars and restaurants only for home delivery & pick-up.

- Parks, beaches, and walk-in places are not accessible to the public.

- All sports competitions have been canceled.

- All festivals and entertainment events have been banned.

- Weddings, family celebrations, and birthdays have been canceled.

- Funerals limited to 10-20 people.

- People are doing drive-by parades to celebrate birthdays!

- Young kids can’t understand why they can only see grandparents & other extended family and friends on a screen or thru a window if someone visits in person.

- Hugs and kisses are not given.

- The churches are closed or online.

- We have to stay away from each other more than a meter.

- Shortage of masks and gloves in hospitals.

- There are fewer ventilators than there should be.

- People are wearing masks, some places even REQUIRE that you wear them to enter! People are even making their own masks for sale or donation to medical facilities!

- Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, and anything Lysol or Clorox is in short supply and limited per person...IF you can even find them!

- Stores are closing early to disinfect everything. (24-hour stores are even closing by 9pm)

- Store checkouts, pharmacies, and even fast food drive-thru windows have added plexiglass between employee and customer. Have to reach around or under to pay!

- You can't find isopropyl alcohol easily. .. supply per person is limited.

- Australia, USA, and Europe have closed their borders.

- Western Australia has been divided into 9 territories & an instant $1,500 fine issued for crossing the border without a valid reason. (Transport workers, Essential services, etc)

- No one is traveling for leisure. Airports empty. Tourism has the worst crisis in history.

This text comes from an anonymous author, it's not mine. I copied because I want to remember it too. 

#AMomentInTime #LifeIsPrecious 

#COVID19 #DuringATimeOfPlague

Thought For The Day

During these interesting times, and throughout life, we will discover that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.

Big Day Birthday

Thought For The Day

I am truly grateful to those friends in my life who greet me with a smile, a hearty handshake, even a big hug and ask ‘how are YOU’ doing?’. 

If you don’t have it you to be kind, compassionate, even forgiving, then I invite you to cross the street, keep looking dead ahead, and walk the feck out of my life.

#LifeIsPrecious #Kindness #Mindfulness

Thought For The Day

I just got done watching the ‘The Parole Officer’, starring Steve Cogan, on Netflix. A wonderfully quirky British movie from 2001, which is full of awkward moments, silly humor, sincerity, and innuendo.

If any of my North American friends want to get an insight into the culture I identify with, see some of the landscapes that abound in the North of England, and get a handle on my witticisms that are often mistaken for sarcasm, then I recommend you watch this film.

And yes, I laughed, I cried and felt terribly homesick for the vistas of Manchester and the Yorkshire Dales. And it appears, after all these years, I still have a crush on Lena Headey! If you are a GOT fan, then you will spot some of your favorite actors from that series here, looking much younger.

Watch and enjoy 😀

#LifeIsPrecious #EnjoyTheMoment #Humor

Thought For The Day

#LifeIsPrecious #Humor #LaughingOutLoud #TrueLove

Thought For The Day

Thought For The Day

Marmite. The stuff of legend, myth, and cultural confusion. Enjoy....or not! 

#Marmite #LoveItHateIt #AMomentInTime

Thought For The Day

#LifeIsPrecious #Love #Hugs #Mindfulness