TITLE:
First Responder ECHO: Developing an Innovative Telementoring Program
AUTHORS:
Neil Katzman, Jessica Medrano, Robin Swift, Paige Menking
KEYWORDS:
First Responder, Project ECHO, Telementoring, PTSD, Compassion Fatigue
JOURNAL NAME:
Creative Education,
Vol.10 No.9,
September
11,
2019
ABSTRACT: First Responders across the globe suffer from increased rates ofpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and compassion fatigue. Because their work environment places them on the front lines of crisis situations nearly every day, first responders experience a significant amount of trauma, which can lead to PTSD and other psychological symptoms. Project ECHO, a successful telementoring program, whose mission is to educate clinicians and other health care providers in rural and underserved communities, will be piloting a First Responder ECHO beginning September 2019. The primary goal of the First Responder ECHO is to improve the confidence and knowledge of First Responders in New Mexico. This First Responder ECHO will include an evaluation component. If the program is successful, the goal will be to expand to other regions of the United States.