Dr. Mandy Gattis is a seasoned first responder with nearly twenty years of experience, including roles as a volunteer firefighter and rescue squad member. She holds numerous certifications across fire, EMS, and emergency management and earned her Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Psychology, focusing her dissertation on first responder mental health resiliency and becoming the first subject matter expert on the link between first responder personality type and their mental health and wellness.
In her current role as Project and Grants Manager at the South Carolina EMS Association (SCEMSA), Dr. Gattis collaborates on initiatives like Peer Connect and Keel Mind-statewide peer support programs developed through the South Carolina Public Safety Wellness Initiative. These proactive programs partner with local and national peer support teams to build online application platforms that manage internal and external support teams, wellness programs, and provide resources and support to all first responders across the state. Dr. Gattis is also an advocate for first responder mental health and has been featured in various media outlets discussing the importance of mental health support for first responders and the initiatives led by SCEMSA. We are excited to have Dr. Gattis joining us for our Summit and we look forward to her presentation:
Personality Types in First Responders and Job-Related Stress: How Proactive Personality-Driven Training Programs Can Improve Resiliency
First responders face intense job-related stress, which can impact their well-being. We will explore how personality types of influence resilience and post-traumatic growth (PTG) and the need for proactive resiliency training based on these factors.
Personality-driven training programs can help first responders develop coping strategies based on their strengths and weaknesses. Stress management techniques provide essential tools for handling job-related pressure and improved communication strategies foster teamwork and peer support. Resiliency workshops create environments for shared experiences and growth while being proactive in protecting the overall well-being of our first responders. Early identification and intervention through regular assessments help recognize at-risk individuals, eventually changing the reactive systems that are currently in place. By leveraging personality insights, agencies can enhance first responders’ ability to manage stress and thrive in their roles.