On May 16 & 17, 2011, thirty-seven clergy, fire chiefs, and law enforcement officers from five states attended the third annual Chaplain Training Seminar sponsored by St. Paul's, the Hermitage Fire Department, and the Hermitage Police Department.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation presented Monday's training - "Taking Care of Our Own," a class in how to prepare for and handle line-of-duty-deaths and serious injuries. The topic wasn't pleasant, but being prepared for such a tragedy can make it possible to effectively minister to fellow emergency responders, family, and others.
On Tuesday, Chaplain Dan Schafer presented "Acute Traumatic Stress Management" from the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. This protocol offers techniques and tools to help emergency responders and others on scene deal constructively with emotional, spiritual, and physical stress.
We plan to offer more educational opportunities for chaplains and others on May 21 & 22, 2012. Check back here for more information.
