Southeast Texas First Responders Receive Trauma Training

Program aims to help emergency personnel manage stress and reduce long-term effects of critical incidents.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:08am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the internal structure of a first responder's uniform, with glowing outlines suggesting the hidden mental and emotional burdens carried by emergency personnel.An X-ray view of the hidden stresses and trauma experienced by first responders, who now have access to new training to manage the mental toll of their high-pressure jobs.Beaumont Today

First responders in Southeast Texas, including EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, dispatchers, firefighters, and chaplains, recently completed a critical incident stress management training program. The volunteer-based program, led by the Southeast Texas Critical Incident Stress Management Team, focuses on helping first responders recognize stress and manage the long-term effects that can follow traumatic events they encounter on the job.

Why it matters

First responders often face high-stress, traumatic situations as part of their work, which can lead to long-term issues like substance abuse and increased divorce rates if not properly addressed. This training program aims to provide them with the tools and support to cope with the mental and emotional toll of their jobs.

The details

The training sessions covered strategies for first responders to deal with the aftermath of difficult calls and emergencies, moving beyond the 'autopilot' mode required during the incident itself. Organizers said the program is designed to reduce lingering post-traumatic effects that can impact first responders' personal and professional lives.

  • The training sessions were completed on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Southeast Texas Critical Incident Stress Management Team

A volunteer-based program that provides support and training for first responders in the Southeast Texas region.

Tina Lewallen

A first responder who participated in the training and spoke about its importance in helping emergency personnel cope with the stress of their jobs.

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What they’re saying

“This class helps us to deal with, when we come off that autopilot what we need to do to take care of ourselves, and our coworkers.”

— Tina Lewallen, First Responder

The takeaway

The critical incident stress management training program provides a valuable resource for first responders in Southeast Texas, equipping them with strategies to manage the mental and emotional toll of their high-stress jobs and reduce the long-term negative impacts on their personal and professional lives.