Helping the Helpers: Supporting Firefighters and their Families as They Overcome the Challenges of Disaster Response.

The series provides comprehensive, evidence-based, and culturally relevant education, training, resources and support to increase knowledge, decrease stigma, and ultimately improve the wellbeing of firefighters and their families. The ultimate goal is to create a network of empowered individuals who can provide peer-to-peer support, resources, and skills that will help prevent mental health issues in the fire service and foster healthier relationships with families.

Webinars in the series include -

  • Feb. 20, 2024 @ 7pm Pacific - “PTSD in the Fire Service: Signs and Solutions” with James Boomhower, MS(c), FP-C, NR-P, C- NPT, CCISM

  • Jun. 18, 2024 @ 7pm Pacific - “Disaster Response: How Fire Families Can Overcome the Challenge” with Dr. Rachelle Zemlock

  • Aug. 13, 2024 @ 7pm Pacific - “Firefighters and Spouses: Maintaining a Healthy Relationship While in the Fire Service” with Maggie Hernandez, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT  

  • Nov. 19, 2024 @ 7pm Pacific - “Parenting in Fire Families” with Tiffany Atalla, LMFT

The following fire spouses are advising us on the series, we appreciate their input and support -

Tamara Davis (Montecito FD)
Paige Hansen (Ventura County FD)
Cynthia Reyes (Guadalupe FD)
Amy Spence (Oxnard FD)
April Westbrook (Ventura City FD)

The series is made possible with a grant from Vanguard Charitable.

Archived Videos

Helping the Helpers: Supporting Firefighters and their Families as They Overcome the Challenges of Disaster Response.

  • PTSD in the Fire Service: Signs and Solutions

    Guest Speaker

    James Boomhower, MS(c), FP-C, NR-P, C- NPT, CCISM has been involved in EMS for over 20 years in a variety of health systems.

    He currently functions in the role of Critical Care Transport Specialist-Paramedic/ Lead Peer Support Director with Boston Medflight of Bedford, Massachusetts

    His desire to bring mental health awareness to the EMS arena has spurred him to create the Stay Fit 4 Duty platform as well as work to implement a peer support program in his workplace. James promotes recognition, management and acceptance of acute stress in EMS providers throughout the world as a graduate intern of clinical psychology.

    Watch