Media Library

“Standing Strong After Melissa”
Mental Health & Resilience for Caribbean Fire/EMS First Responders

Date: December 10, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Lorraine Smith, Dr. Jayee Mayers, Acting Senior Supt. Joseph Thomas, Dr. Hezedean A. Smith
Focus: EMS • Fire • Disaster Response • Mental Health • Psychological Distress

Standing Strong After Melissa explores the psychological impact of Hurricane Melissa on Caribbean firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders. This webinar focuses on recognizing stress responses, building personal and organizational resilience, and fostering supportive leadership practices that promote mental well-being during recovery and long-term operations. Grounded in regional context and real-world experience, the discussion emphasizes practical strategies for sustaining the health and readiness of the emergency services workforce.

“Exploring Mental Well‑being & Psychological Distress in Caribbean EMS Providers & Firefighters

Date: October 10, 2025
Speaker: Dr. David Byer, MD, Dr. Olawale Akogon, Ms. Kareen Kennedy, Dr. Hezedean A. Smith
Focus: EMS • Fire • Disaster Response • Mental Health • Psychological Distress

This session discussed findings from a cross-sectional study on mental well-being and psychological distress among Caribbean EMS and fire service professionals across CARICOM nations. Drawing on validated instruments—the WHO-5 Well-Being Index and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) The session highlighted the prevalence of psychological distress, gender-based differences, and the relationship between distress and overall well-being within the emergency services workforce. The conversation bridges the research findings with real-world operational and leadership implications, particularly in post-disaster and high-stress environments such as those experienced following Hurricane Melissa. The discussion emphasizes how organizational culture, peer support, leadership engagement, and access to mental health resources influence resilience, retention, and long-term workforce sustainability. This session was designed for firefighters, EMS personnel, supervisors, chiefs, health professionals, policymakers, and researchers seeking to better understand mental health challenges within Caribbean emergency services and to identify practical, evidence-informed strategies that support responder well-being and resilience.

Additional Information Coming Soon

Future leadership briefings, EMS research presentations, and post-incident after-action discussions will be archived in this library.