Fire-Rescue hosted the first ever Mile In Our Boots (MIOB) Academy at Station 19 from September 16th through the 18th. Sponsored by the South Carolina Firefighters Association - Firefighter Assistance Support Team (FAST). A multitude of Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement instructors provided behavioral health clinicians with information and training exercises. This helps the clinicians better understand the job of a Firefighter, EMT/Paramedic, Law Enforcement officer and telecommunicator/dispatcher, which helps them to better help responders with their behavioral health. Several Fire-Rescue and Sheriff's Office personnel provided participants the knowledge and experience to connect and build trust with responders who may be experiencing a behavioral health crisis. According to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, the United States loses far more Firefighters to suicide each year than in the line of duty.
The feedback from participating clinicians was overwhelmingly positive with many stating that it was one of the best training experiences they have had.
Plans are already being made to repeat the MIOB Academy next year.
