The Code 9 Project is a national non-profit organization that provides education and training for First Responders, Veterans and their families for the prevention of PTSD and suicide. Brandielee Baker, president and co-founder of The Code 9 Project feels it is important to let people know there are resources and support that are available for first responders and frontline workers and their families to cope with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Code 9 Project offers support for first responders especially during the coronavirus pandemic:
The Code 9 Project Facebook and Instagram pages offer positive peer to peer tips, motivation and encouragement.
Send us an email or a social media message and we will connect you with a chaplain or peer support counselor.
The Code 9 Project has online peer support group meetings weekly for frontline workers and first responders Tuesday and Friday at 9 am PST and 9 pm PST on Zoom.
The Code 9 Project has a team of chaplains, peer support, critical incident trainers and a specialized trauma debriefing team for individuals, police and fire departments, first responders, frontline workers and hospital staff.
The Code 9 Project has a national helpline that is 24/7 for all frontline workers and first responders. The Code 9 Project national helpline number is 844-HOPE-247.
The Code 9 Project has a specific album of meditations for first responders. These meditations are also user friendly for non first responders suffering with extreme stress.
The Code 9 Project First Responder Meditations are available at Apple Music, Google Play and at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Brandielee+Baker&i=digital-music&search-type=ss&ref=ntt_srch_drd_B07HB84LVN
Brandielee Baker, president and co-founder of The Code 9 Project offers some ways first responders can combat feelings of loneliness:
Use Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Google Chat or WhatsApp to communicate and stay connected. We can stay connected via face and voice and although this is not the same as being in the same physical location, the ability to see and hear one another is a very healthy way to stay connected to friends, family and our support network. This is very helpful in managing feeling alone.
First responder peer support meetings are very important because its a population of like minded individuals. This allows for a feeling of trust and also for people to be able to relate to one another on a deeper level which is very helpful for the management of feeling alone.
Experience nature. Going out in nature, without the distraction of headphones with music and just allowing your senses to connect with the landscapes around you is also a way to feel more connected. Experience a nature walk, hike or even a walk in a park is beneficial.
Brandielee Baker, president and co-founder of The Code 9 Project offers tips for first responders being impacted by the coronavirus pandemic on how they can minimize anxiety and stress:
A small breathing practice of 1 to 5 minutes a day goes a long way.
Movement is important. At least 20 to 30 minutes such as a walk, jog, or some form of physical movement is key in expelling the stress toxins from the body. Nothing too rigorous is needed just a light sweat will do wonders.
Taking time to step away from all the reminders, conversations and connections to work and what’s happening in the world. Unplugging for a bare minimum of 20 minutes a day is key to reset and resiliency.
Connections and social network of people not in the first responder career is also important for balance and the ability to “step away” and recharge.
For more information on The Code 9 Project, visit: https://thecode9project.org and follow @code9project on Facebook and @thecode9project on Instagram.
