First Responder Resiliency ECHO: Innovative Telementoring during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• First responders face significant stress from trauma and substance misuse.
• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health challenges for first responders and healthcare workers.
• The First Responder ECHO (Extension for Community Outcomes) program was expanded to address these needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the expanded First Responder Resiliency (FRR) ECHO program on first responders' stress and coping mechanisms.
• To assess the effectiveness of the curriculum in improving psychological first aid, stress management, and self-care skills.

Main Methods:

• The FRR ECHO program was delivered from March 31, 2020, to December 31, 2020.
• 1530 first responders and frontline clinicians participated.
• The curriculum included psychological first aid, critical incident debriefing, moral distress, crisis management, and self-care skills.

Main Results:

• Overall stress levels did not decline.
• Participants reported increased confidence in applying psychological first aid.
• Participants felt more capable of managing and recognizing colleagues needing mental health support and prioritizing self-care.

Conclusions:

• The FRR ECHO program improved stress management skills among first responders.
• The program provided valuable weekly learning sessions, social support, and a community of practice.
• Despite persistent occupational stress, participants gained confidence in mental health support and self-care strategies.