Most people understand that being a first responder is a stressful job. It takes a special kind of person to run towards danger when everyone else is running in the opposite direction. While stress is part of their “day job,” for many, it carries over to their off hours and can impact their lives.
For the past few years, students at Nova Southeastern University have been working closely with the Broward Sheriff’s Department Fire Rescue and Emergency Services in the area of Behavioral Health Training and Research. For the past two years, students in NSU’s Center for Psychological Studies (CPS) and have been carrying out various activities all with the goal of better understanding the impacts being a first-responder has on individuals and to identify what factors may be contributing to them not being able to cope.
Because of their efforts, NSU students and their professor were honored at the Broward Sheriff’s Office’s Annual Award Ceremony. The NSU students honored were: Luzimar Vega; Sarah Henderson; Nichole B. Vincent; Vera A. Klinoff; and Bryan L. Steinkopf.
“Classroom learning is a cornerstone of education, but getting out in the field and conducting research and investigating theories is where education comes alive,” said Vincent Van Hasselt, Ph.D., professor in NSU’s CPS who is involved in this project. “We’ve been working with the Broward Sheriff’s Office for many years, with both sides learning from each other. I’m very proud of the work our students have done with BSO – and we look forward to continuing our relationship for many years to come.”