Why "CODE GREY"?

The "code alert" system is used by first responders and healthcare professionals to communicate about different levels of emergency. A "code grey" is called when there is an urgent/potentially dangerous situation that requires assistance, which perfectly describes the mission of this presentation. First responder wellness has become a critical issue, and our objective is to assist with managing job-related stress, increasing mental wellness, and preventing suicide.

First responders are on the front lines of traumatic events day in and day out. The norm has been to bury those experiences and memories as far down as possible, to act like they aren't affected by what they witness every day (Hunter, 2018).

IT'S NOT WORKING.

While understaffing and work-related stress are commonplace within first responder professions, contemporary challenges like COVID-19, political unrest, and economic downturn have added to the strain. Record numbers of first responders have been leaving the workforce, causing severe staffing shortages and subsequent delays in emergency care.

Unfortunately, the public's view of first responders

often strips away their humanity. While public perception can and does fluctuate, first responders are either put on a pedestal and seen as heroes, or they are vilified and seen as bad guys. Institutional norms also play a role, encouraging a machine-like demeanor and shutting down emotions.

Dr. Mika-Lude's research has found that such experiences can have a significant impact on the overall well-being of first responders. Even the seemingly positive "hero" stereotypes can contribute to alarming threats like burnout and suicidality.

Suicide is an all-too common occurrence among first

responders, to the point of exceeding line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) for at least the past decade... even with suicides being underreported by as much as 60%.

What is CODE GREY?

CODE GREY is a 4-hour workshop originally developed in 2017 to address the mental health challenges faced by first responders, with a strong emphasis on wellness, PTSD recovery, resilience, and suicide prevention