South Carolina First Responder Assistance and Support Team SC FAST

04/13/2026

One of the hardest things to learn to do….but very powerful when learned.

“Sitting with the feeling” means allowing an emotion to be there without trying to fix it, escape it, or judge it.

It’s uncomfortable—but it’s also where processing and healing actually happen.

Instead of pushing it away, you gently stay with it and notice:
• What am I feeling right now?
• Where do I feel it in my body?
• What is this emotion trying to tell me?

You’re not trying to solve it in that moment. You’re just giving it space.

04/13/2026

Stop The Threat - Stop The Stigma wants to share with you information about different trauma responses.

Trauma responses are the automatic ways our mind and body react to perceived danger or overwhelming stress. The most commonly known are fight, flight, freeze, and fawn:

Fight: Confronting the threat directly. This can look like anger, aggression, or trying to take control of a situation.

Flight: Escaping the threat. Physically leaving, avoiding situations, or staying constantly busy to not face distress.

Freeze: Feeling stuck or unable to act. This may show up as shutting down, numbness, or difficulty making decisions.

Fawn: Trying to please others to stay safs. Going along with others, avoiding conflict, or putting others’ needs ahead of your own.

These responses are not choices, they’re survival mechanisms built into the nervous system. While they can be helpful in real danger, they may continue even when the threat is no longer present, which is why understanding them is an important step toward healing and developing healthier coping strategies.

www.stopthethreatstopthestigma.org

04/13/2026

03/14/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18B68eMjKb/

01/23/2026

South Carolina State Firefighters' Association

South Carolina EMS Association

You made it through the hardest stretch of the year.💛 Winter blues are real! And if you’re feeling worn down, that makes sense. Light is returning—and you don’t have to carry it alone. ✨

Image Credit:

12/11/2025

The holiday season can intensify feelings of pressure—especially for those navigating substance use challenges. These feelings are more common than many realize. Visit samhsa.gov/find-help to learn how to support yourself or a loved one who may be struggling.

11/18/2025

South Carolina State Firefighters' Association

✨ Registration is now open!

We’re proud to partner with The University of Iowa College of Education to host the Mental Wellness Symposium — a multi-day event focused on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of first responders.

🗓️ May 31 – June 3, 2026
📍 University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA

Join us for meaningful discussions, research, and collaboration aimed at advancing mental wellness in the fire and emergency services.

Each registration ticket includes one (1) conference ticket and special event tickets.

💰 Early Registration Discount:
Register by 12/31/25 to save $50 and pay only $350.
After 1/1/26, the price increases to $400.

For more details and/or to register:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/firstrespondercenterforexcellence/event/mentalwellnesssymposium/

08/30/2025

South Carolina State Firefighters' Association

08/10/2025

Was a great two days! Thank you Fort Jackson Fire Department!
Thank you Lisa Ball-Ortiz!

South Carolina First Responder Assistance and Support Team SC FAST came to Fort Jackson to teach two days of all things Peer Support. Members from statewide and federal fire departments were in attendance. FJFD is thankful to Patti Graham and Lisa Ball-Ortiz for their dedication and knowledge.

Also, thanks to Andrew Johansen for pursuing the training and being a great host!

08/08/2025

South Carolina State Firefighters' Association
South Carolina EMS Association

Show your support for South Carolina’s first responder agencies at the 2025 Battle of the Badges Charity Softball Tournament on Saturday August 30, 2025!

Show up at 8 a.m. for the Opening Ceremony at Melvin Park, located at 370 Eptings Camp Road in Chapin, SC. The first set of games will start at 8:30 a.m.

Donations collected through the tournament will go to support the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy for South Carolina (LECSC) and the South Carolina Firefighter Assistance and Support Team (SC FAST). Both organizations provide mental health support and assistance for South Carolina first responders. More information on these charities can be found at www.lecsc.org and https://scfast.org

This year’s tournament is made up of 12 teams, including SLED, the FBI – Columbia Office, Irmo Fire District, SC Department of Corrections, Columbia Police Department, SC Department of Natural Resources, Aiken County EMS, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, SC Criminal Justice Academy, Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, US ARMY – Ft. Jackson, and Columbia Fire.

08/08/2025

🚨 How to Come Down After the Call 🚨

When the call ends but your body’s still on high alert, try these quick resets:

1️⃣ Walk it off – 5–10 minutes of slow movement
2️⃣ Shake it out – release tension in hands, jaw, and legs
3️⃣ Grip + let go – use a towel or stress ball
4️⃣ Station reset – 10 squats, 10 pushups, and a full stretch

Taking a few minutes to decompress can help your body recover and keep you ready for the next call.

Thank you to First Responders Resilience Network for developing this resource and helping us support one another the right way.