Access to proactive, personalized treatment is critical for any profession. First responders, who often experience trauma in the field, are keenly aware of this. According to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, “More firefighters die by suicide each year than are killed in the line of duty, and many more may go unreported.”
A student at St. Augustine University College of Health Sciences (USAHS) responded to calls for mental health resources for firefighters in the form of occupational therapy (OT).
Helping heroes live quality lives
Alyssa M. Garcia (OTD) is a 2023 graduate of the USAHS Occupational Therapy Resident (OTD) Program in Miami. She chose USAHS because of her immersive, hands-on approach and focus on her research. “Every OT I spoke to said they highly valued U.S. graduates and said they were well prepared for the field,” Garcia said.
Inspired by his father, a South Florida firefighter for more than 32 years, Garcia decided to use the Capstone project as an opportunity to provide critical OT-specific mental health support to local firefighters.
“My father has been a firefighter longer than I have been alive. Many of my family and friends are firefighters. I know them and understand their needs.” said Garcia.
She identified gaps in mental health services for first responders. They may have access to social services and psychologists, but none addressed the impact of their work on normal day-to-day life.
A 14-week PhD pinnacle experience that combines research with real-world applications. Each student chooses an area of interest within his/her field of study and studies it in depth.
Watch Alyssa talk about the Capstone project here.
One USAHS faculty mentor and two capstone advisors partnered with Garcia on this project. Garcia said, “They still help me with the writing and editing. They sit down with me first and answer any questions.”
Garcia worked with a local first responder research and training team made up of graduate students from the local university’s psychology department. The team provides mental and behavioral health training to law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders throughout South Florida. This group linked her with the Davey Fire and Rescue Squad.
First, Garcia surveyed 72% of fire department employees and focused on their occupations, routines and roles, and how they are disrupted and affected by job stress and trauma. .
Together they tackled every challenge that interfered with a healthy daily life, including exercise. “We looked at these issues as indicators of what was wrong and what we could do to improve it,” says Garcia.
She then developed a 30-minute functional coping mechanisms workshop for first responders. The sessions used a common language to discuss challenges, appropriate strategies, and role prioritization.
“No problem with video games, but if you’re in a state of agitation, consider playing Mario Bros. instead of Call of Duty. Or, if you’re ordering too much takeout, prepare a meal.” It might be time to do it,” Garcia explained.
She discussed how an individual’s work can provide primary meaning and purpose for the person.
“We have many roles: parent, spouse, daughter, friend. is.”
Garcia also helped conduct police training for mental health briefings after a devastating fire. She worked with her team to develop procedures for who to call and when. We also identified functional signs to determine if firefighters were not coping adequately.
talking and walking
“This capstone project taught me that I’m tougher than I look, or tougher than I think I am,” Garcia said.
She gained a deeper understanding of the firefighter profession and was able to build rapport through more than 200 hours of rescue work. She said seeing and experiencing their trauma firsthand and witnessing them resuscitate and save patients was transformative. “This is the type of toughness I’ve never tested before.”
Her hard work has paid off, breaking down barriers and helping address stigma about mental health among firefighters.
“Working with them has helped them open up, trust me, and accept what I have to say about mental health.”
Garcia continues to work with the Davie Fire Department to roll out a retirement transition program. This practical resource gives soon-to-retire firefighters the tools to start thinking about post-fire life and rescue. “Mental health isolation, loss of sociability and withdrawal from everyday life are real. No,” Garcia said.
Pioneering the future of OT
Garcia hopes to continue this effort and encourage other OTs to do the same. She said every profession learns about holism, but this experience shows that collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts can have tangible effects on mental health. “This research and program can be applied to first responders in any setting,” she said.
Garcia is the April 2023 Commencement Speaker for the USAHS Physical Therapy (PT) and OT Programs and was awarded the Distinguished Student Award and Academic Achievement Award for earning the highest GPA. Her greatest pride is being hooded by her firefighter father at her graduation.
The future is bright for Garcia. She is studying for the National Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and is looking for her professional role. She is excited to have her homework done and to apply the skills she learned in school to her clients.
What is her best advice to future OT students? “Take a deep breath. Pursue your passion to keep yourself motivated and motivated.”
She appreciates USAHS for developing her problem-solving skills and critical judgment. “They gave us a really strong foundation to build on and we feel ready for what’s next,” Garcia said.
Learn more about the USAHS occupational therapy program and our immersive and vibrant OT community and apply today.
