Minds on the Frontline Podcast

ONE FATAL CALL, TWO DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES, with William Kaczur

• Geoff Lassers and Mike Mattern • Episode 86

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0:00 | 46:50

In this episode of Minds on the Frontline, licensed professional counselor William Kaczur, MS, LPC, NCE, CISM, reflects on his first fire department ride-along, which took an unexpected turn when he was brought directly to the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash. William and Mike revisit the call from the perspectives of a clinician and a responder, exploring the organized work beneath the apparent chaos, the care shown to the person who died and their family, and the moral or “human injury” responders may carry afterward. They also discuss debriefing, station culture, the importance of the kitchen table, and why effectively supporting first responders requires more than clinical training. It requires curiosity, respect, cultural understanding, and a willingness to meet responders where they are.

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families.  NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.