STRATEGIES: Let’s Talk Mental Health, Coaching, and Culture Shift

Alright team—it’s Strategy Day during Safety Stand Down 2025, and we’re rolling up our sleeves to talk about something that affects all of us: behavioral health. Now, before your eyes glaze over, hear me out. This isn’t just another “check the box” mental health memo. This is a real opportunity to look at how your department is showing up—not just on the calls, but for each other. 

At B1C First Responders & First Responder Coaching, we know you can’t pour from an empty cup (or coffee thermos, let’s be honest). And that’s where coaching comes in. It’s not fluff, and it’s not therapy—it’s practical, peer-rooted support designed to help you and your team stay sharp, sane, and strong. 

Why Mental Wellness Deserves a Spot in Your SOPs 

Too often, we wait until someone’s burning out, numbing out, or checking out before we talk about mental health. But what if we didn’t wait? What if behavioral health was integrated right into the way we lead, train, and show up—like C.A.N. Reports or PT? 

It’s not about making the job softer. It’s about making you stronger—and giving your department a strategy to back that up. 

So, What Is First Responder Coaching? 

Think of it like this: Coaching is that steady, confidential voice in your corner. It’s goal-driven, solution-focused, and grounded in real experience—because most of our coaches have walked the same beat, fought the same fires, or ridden the same rigs. 

It’s not therapy. It’s support that sounds like: 

• “Let’s figure out why this is burning you out.” 

• “What’s next in your career—and how do you want to show up?” 

• “Here’s how you reset before you hit the wall.” 

Coaching Helps With: 

• Navigating high-stress calls and trauma fatigue 

• Avoiding burnout before it takes over 

• Boosting leadership and communication skills 

• Transitioning to new roles (or retirement without losing identity) 

• Setting goals that actually stick—and feeling more in control of your life 

Let’s Get Strategic (Without the Boring Policy Talk) 

This year’s Safety Stand Down theme is all about strategies—and no, we’re not talking about reinventing the wheel or adding more binders to the shelf. We’re talking about practical, people-first changes you can make to help your team feel seen, supported, and set up for long-term success. 

Here are a few ways your department can start putting behavioral health into action: 

✅ Review Those SOPs and SOGs (Yes, Really) 

Take a look at your standard operating procedures. Is behavioral health mentioned anywhere? Does it go beyond “call this number if things get bad”? We can do better. Think of your SOPs as a roadmap—and right now, we need to make sure wellness has a clear exit off the highway. 

Look for ways to: 

• Add behavioral health as part of debrief protocols 

• Include peer support or coaching check-ins after tough calls 

• Create guidelines for how supervisors follow up with team members showing signs of stress 

🤝 Bring Coaching Into the Fold 

Imagine a department where coaching is normal, expected, and available—not just after a crisis, but as part of everyday growth. That’s what we’re building through First Responder Coaching. 

You don’t have to figure it all out in-house. That’s what we’re here for. Our certified coaches work alongside departments, unions, peer teams, and individuals to build custom-fit programs that actually work in the real world. 

🧠 Train Leadership to Lead with Empathy 

Coaching isn’t just for those in the thick of burnout. It’s also for your lieutenants, captains, and chiefs—the ones who set the tone. When leaders know how to check in, listen without fixing, and create a psychologically safe culture, it changes everything. 

Pro tip? Some of the best coaching starts with leadership modeling it first. Let your crew see you walk the walk. 

📅 Make Mental Health a Recurring Topic, Not a Once-a-Year Event 

Stand Down Week is a great start—but what happens next month? How about next quarter? 

• Build a Behavioral Health Calendar with mini trainings, mental health days, guest speakers, or optional coaching sessions. 

• Rotate in topics like sleep, family stress, cumulative trauma, and transitions. 

• Normalize “mental maintenance” the way we normalize equipment checks. 

Real Talk: This Isn’t About Being Soft. It’s About Being Solid. 

We get it. You're tough. You have to be. But tough doesn't mean untouched. The job takes a toll—on your body, your mind, your relationships. That’s not weakness. That’s reality. 

So let’s be smart about it. Let’s build strategies that protect the people behind the badge, not just the policies behind the scenes. And if we do this right, we don’t just create stronger responders—we create healthier humans, and by extension, stronger teams, families, and communities. 

Ready to Strategize? 

Whether you’re a chief ready to roll out department-wide change or a firefighter who just wants to talk to someone who gets it—we’re here for you. 

Visit First Responder Coaching to learn how coaching can become one of your best strategies yet.  Or stop by B1C First Responders to find the resources you need to start showing up differently—for yourself, your crew, and your future. 

Let’s make this Wednesday count. 

All the best, 

Jennifer Anderson 

Jennifer Anderson is the Founder and CEO of First Responder Coaching, an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of first responders and their families. Inspired by her deep connection to the first responder community, Jennifer created tailored coaching programs and training to help navigate the unique challenges of high-stress roles, focusing on resilience, work-life balance, and emotional wellness. A passionate advocate and leader, she is committed to fostering a culture of strength and sustainability for those who serve on the frontlines.