Equipped Summit Focuses on First Responder Well-being
Dr. Rebecca Kaltman, Jonathan Tate, Dr. Michele Johnson, and Dr. Sheila Khianey
On July 19, 2024, close to a hundred attendees, including the current cadet classes from DC Fire and EMS and the Metropolitan Police Department, gathered at the Inova Center for Personalized Health for the Prepared Together Summit hosted by Equipped in partnership with Food on the Stove. This one-day conference, generously supported by Inova, Amazon, and CareFirst, focused on enhancing the well-being of first responders by addressing mental, physical, and financial health along with leadership and personal branding.
The Summit kicked off with an engaging health panel titled "Food is Medicine: The Role Food Plays in Cancer & Cardiovascular Health," featuring Dr. Michele Johnson from the Police and Fire Clinic in Washington, DC, Dr. Rebecca Kaltman from the Inova Schar Cancer Institute, and Dr. Sheila Khianey, a cardiovascular specialist from Inova. This session tackled myths and facts about daily health practices, from the effects of caffeine to the benefits of proper sleep and the impact of supplements and diet on overall health.
Silas Grant, QP Solutions
When a member of the audience asked what one suggestion cadets could take back to their departments, Dr. Kaltman recommended incorporating movement into daily routines; Dr. Khianey suggested breath work for mental health; and Dr. Johnson advocated for increasing vegetable intake to improve fiber consumption and reduce cancer risk.
The day proceeded with various breakout sessions, allowing attendees to dive deeper into specific areas of interest, such as mental resilience, nutrition, and injury prevention. Speakers like Lt. Joe Morgan from DC Fire and EMS discussed post-traumatic growth, while sessions like James Tate's "Food is Fuel" explored the importance of understanding food labels. Tate cautioned attendees to be wary of vague or unfamiliar ingredients, educate themselves on where their food comes from, limit processed food intake, and eat a diverse range of foods ("eat the rainbow").
Chief John S. Butler, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue with cadets from DC Fire & EMS and Metropolitan Police Department
Jonathan Tate, Founder of Food on the Stove, emphasized the Summit as a critical resource for first responders: "This summit is a platform where the voices of our first responders are not only heard but amplified, ensuring they receive the insights and support essential for their demanding roles."
Chief John S. Butler of Fairfax County Fire & Rescue capped off the program, delivering an exhilarating keynote on personal storytelling, emphasizing the power of knowing and sharing one's journey to inspire and lead effectively.
Throughout the day, the Summit provided numerous networking opportunities, fostering a sense of community and ongoing dialogue among first responders and public safety organizations like FirstNet. Attendees departed the event equipped with actionable knowledge and strategies to enhance their personal and professional lives.
Shafer Busch and Kara Dao, Equipped
As we look forward to future events, we remain committed to supporting our heroes in the public safety community. Equipped is excited to announce our upcoming Mid-Atlantic Technology Summit on October 9, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland, which will showcase cutting-edge technologies and trends in emergency response. Attendance is free for first responders—learn more and register here.
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Disclaimer: The information presented here does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personal health recommendations.