First Responder Family Program teams up with The Rolling Barrage / Military Minds Inc

Presenters

Cpl Scott Casey – President Military Minds inc. – Organizer The Rolling Barrage
Terrance Kosikar – Founder Camp My Way / Former Firefighter / EMR
Jennifer Quehl – Vancouver Police Officer

The First Responder Family Program / Self Care Emergency Jump Kit Our family program offers self help natural tools, education, and knowledge.

With education comes a better understanding, so we are able to recognize, prevent, manage, and de-stigmatize Post Traumatic Stress, Mental Health and Substance Abuse challenges at home and in the workplace. Connecting with other Emergency Service Providers and their family members who

First Responder Family Program have lived with similar problems / solutions, or are perhaps still doing so, can be a vital link for someone struggling with their own situation.

Our unique program offers an effective trauma / stress management, and recovery strategy, that will moderate the effects of

life-challenging events, and provide a sense of empowerment.

Research also indicates that peer support can help a person gain control over their symptoms, reduce hospitalization, offer social support, and improve quality of life.

The information, empowerment, and hope that comes from someone who has been in their shoes can help a person better navigate the often complicated maze of treatments and other forms of assistance.

What is Peer Support ?

“Peer support is a system of giving and receiving help founded on key principles of respect, shared responsibility, and mutual agreement of what is helpful. Peer support is not based on psychiatric models and diagnostic criteria. It is about understanding another’s situation empathetically through the shared experience of emotional, physical, and psychological pain.”

Core Learnings

Recognize signs and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress / Substance abuse Physical, Emotional, Mental Health Fundamentals
Trauma, Numbing, Avoidance Unpacked
Trauma Strength / Growth Explored
Suicide Awareness / Prevention / Intervention

What is a Critical Incident What C.I.S.M.

Team functions are Defusings / debriefings Create a plan with your family

Strengthen Mental, Emotional, Physical, Well-Being

The skills, tools, and techniques you will learn in this program will better equip you and your family for handling the inevitable stresses you encounter at home and on the job.

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to:

Understand and utilize the benefits of meditation, exercise, proper nutrition, and daily routine.

Understand how stress in the workplace impacts our families physical / mental well being. Understand Post Traumatic Stress, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse challenges.

Overcome the stigma associated with PTSD,and mental health challenges
Incorporate best practices in personal resilience and stress management that promote good mental health.

Apply best practices that mitigate the impacts of trauma on first responders before, during, and after an incident occurs.

Hosts

Terrance J. Kosikar
Founder / Executive Director Camp My Way
PTS / Mental Health / Social Justice Advocate

Terrance Kosikar, was a First Responder to a fatal accident during an event at the Whistler Sliding Center during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

Although well trained in a myriad of life saving techniques, he was not prepared to deal with the emotional impact sustained when those techniques were not enough. As a result of the fatality, Kosikar developed PTS that launched him into a very costly downward spiral.

During several years of severe depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, Kosikar lost his family, career, and nearly his life. Pushed to his breaking point, Kosikar found salvation within.

Escaping to the back-country near Lillooet, BC, he had found peace and purpose in mother nature ’s beauty and simplicity.

By raising awareness about this debilitating injury, we are able to help First Responders their families prevent / manage the challenges that are associated with an Operational Stress Injury. ( PTSD )

Jennifer Quehl / Vancouver Police Officer

Jennifer Quehl has been a police officer with the Vancouver Police Department since 2007. Throughout Jennifer’s career she has been a part of numerous traumatic, violent and fatal calls. In 2011 Jennifer was involved in a serious accident while riding her police motorcycle forever changing her life. Jennifer not only sustained physical injuries, but also triggered accumulative PTSD from years of service prior to the accident as well as PTSD from the accident itself.

For years she dove into self-development, sought help from health professionals, studied various therapy and coaching techniques, implemented meditation and mindfulness practices and reconnected with herself, loved ones and nature. Jennifer won her battle, giving her the strength to help those suffering to find the courage needed to conquer their own battle against mental illness.

Jennifer knows the devastating impact PTSD can have and is determined to help others not only survive, but thrive in life. Jennifer continues to work as a police officer as well as a registered massage therapist and speaker. Now, Jennifer’s purpose is to raise awareness helping those who are battling mental illness or know someone who is.

The Rolling Barrage – A Coast to Coast Awareness Event to Combat PTSD

Scott Casey 
President Military Minds inc.
Founder – The Rolling Barrage

TRB is a rolling fundraiser presented by Military Minds Inc, in support of veterans, serving members and first responders, as a show of strength, and unity to conquer the stigma of PTSD.

Vimy is commonly recognized as Canada’s birthplace on the world stage as our four divisions fought together for the first time during the Great War. Success at Vimy was realized, not just because of the tenacity of its soldiers but because it employed techniques developed by Canadians, like its brilliant use of artillery fire. That rolling barrage of fire allowed the attackers to walk up the hill under its cover and take control within a short time frame.
This fundraiser is more than just about raising money. Although it is our primary goal, so that we may launch and maintain programs under the MMI banner, it also encourages veterans, serving CAF members and first responders to get together and confirm our sheepdog society. Brotherhood is significant in any healing and this will show the spirit across the nation. However, this ride is open to ALL riders and not just military in nature. In fact, we openly invite civilian riders, as a way to show resounding support for our troops.

2018 marks our second run across the country, and we hope to surpass the outstanding turnout we had last year. From folks in Saskatchewan putting on impromptu BBQ’s to raise donations, to Julian Austin performing in Edmonton, and a lone piper in Victoria welcoming us home, it was truly amazing to be part of it all. Canada was settled from the East to the West and our ride will symbolically cover that path with the step off point in Halifax Nova Scotia to its Rally Point in Victoria, BC. Coast to Coast in 17 days. An epic motorcycle journey, a metal horse, akin to those who traveled across this land with living horses 151 years ago.

Riders and supporters may join in at any point along the route and show a nationwide strength and unity that our Veterans, serving CAF members and first responders deserve. It is with this rolling community that we shall endeavour to conquer the stigma that surrounds PTSD and to provide care to those who need it through the service to our nation. Please join us, this will surely be an unforgettable journey.

Sponsors:

No Limits Heli
Pan Pacific Mountain side Whistler
Escape Route
Trev Deeley
XL Audio Visual
Canadian Outdoor Adventures
Zip Trec
Whistler Bungee
Summit Lodge
Adara Hotel Whistler
Whistler ATV
Pasta Lupino
Nesters Food Market
Rob Bubek Photograpghy
Mountain FM