RESIDUAL Trailers

RESIDUAL 2-Minute Trailer

RESIDUAL: Cumulative Trauma and PTSD in First Responders is a documentary film, still in production, focusing on how cumulative trauma and PTSD are dramatically affecting our nation's law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS personnel. This 2-minute trailer highlights a few of the many problems brought on by PTSD.

RESIDUAL Extended Trailer

This 10-minute extended trailer introduces some of the participants who have been interviewed so far and provides a preview of the topics that will be covered in the final documentary.

Introduction

Up to 30 percent of all first responders develop behavioral health conditions that include anxiety, depression and PTSD.

There is an ever-increasing danger threatening the health and livelihood of our nation’s first responders. This problem affects every police department, fire house and EMS squad across the country. This problem is the repeated exposure to traumatic stressors while on the job, resulting in anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress or PTSD, suicides and attempted suicides.

RESIDUAL is a documentary film focusing on how cumulative trauma and PTSD are dramatically affecting our nation’s law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS personnel. Through interviews and testimonials, the program will discuss how to recognize the debilitating symptoms of PTSD and offer steps in how to manage these symptoms through a variety of treatment methods.

The purposes of this documentary are to:

Examine the challenges encountered by front-line first responders on a daily basis;
Discuss the risks and dangers of prolonged exposure to traumatic stressors;
Present realistic steps that can be taken to minimize these risks;
Offer suggestions on how to deal with and treat the symptoms of PTSD; and
Reduce the number of suicides and attempted suicides by first responders.

The RESIDUAL target audience includes: emergency workers and first responders, both active duty and retired; friends and family members of first responders; upper management, commanders and squad leaders; resource officers, mental health professionals, doctors and other service providers; and elected officials, legislators and public policy makers. The goal of the RESIDUAL distribution plan is to reach as many people in our target audience as possible.

The completed film will be distributed FREE to:

National & local first responder organizations;
Mental health groups, non-profits and other organizations who assist first responders;
Local, state and federal government agencies;
Individual police and fire stations;
Broadcast television and cable channels; and
Social media outlets.

Treatment and Therapy Segments

Art Therapy

A unique way to treat PTS is through Art Therapy. Even if you don't think of yourself as an "artist," you can still express your feelings on canvas and explore how color, shape and design can bring out hidden emotions and help heal trauma.

SWEL Surfing

The ocean provides a therapeutic calm that allows first responders to develop a spiritual connection with the water. This is especially beneficial to those dealing with the symptoms of PTSD. Ron Sanderson is the founder and director of SWEL, a non-profit organization that takes first responders on surfing retreats. Learn more about this organization at https://TheSWEL.org

Stellate Ganglion Block

An introduction to the Stellate Ganglion Block, SGB, Dual-Sympathetic Reset Treatment for PTSD. Featuring Dr. Eugene Lipov, Stella Chief Medical Director and Shauna "Doc" Springer, Ph.D., Stella Chief Psychologist. For more information on SGB, please go to https://StellaCenter.com

Singing Bowls

Singing bowls can help first responders focus and re-train the brain to take back control of their mental and emotional states. Ann Martin, a Therapeutic Sound Practitioner, explains how the frequency and vibration of the bowls can reactivate your parasympathetic nervous system and restore calm to your body and soul. https://MileHighHealingVibe.com

Video Previews

Skylar Limkemann

Skylar Limkemann is a senior attorney practicing in Iowa, a political advocate for first responders, a City Council member in Tiffin, Iowa and a Volunteer Fire Captain/EMT for the Tiffin Fire Association. In this RESIDUAL Preview, Skylar discusses the challenges faced by volunteer fire departments and the double costs he must pay in order to serve his community.

Michael Delaney

Michael Delaney is a retired police officer with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. He explains the importance of making mental health a priority and why you should take the time to deal with your emotions on a daily basis and not let them build up over years and years.

Sgt. Al Fear (Ret.)

Recently retired Police Sergeant Al Fear discusses a traumatic event he experienced early in his career... one that still affects him 25 years later. Al is now a co-founder of The Guardian Training Institute and helps departments and first responders deal with PTSD and other mental health issues. https://GuardianTrainingInstitute.org

Dr. Debra Tasci, Psy.D.

Dr. Debra Tasci, a Board-Certified Police and Public Safety Psychologist, discusses two events that create traumatic experiences: being trapped; and being exiled from your tribe. Dr. Tasci is an associate at Nicoletti-Flater Associates. https://NicolettiFlater.com

Denny Robinson

Denny Robinson is a Fire Apparatus Operator for the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department who controls his PTS symptoms through the game of golf. In this RESIDUAL Preview, Denny explains how lessons learned on a golf course carry over to lessons learned about life. Denny Robinson is part of the First Responder Golf Foundation based in Kansas City, Kansas. https://FirstResponderGolf.org

Adam Hyatt

After only two months on the job as a new corrections officer, Adam Hyatt was attacked by an inmate and stabbed nine times. And while his career lasted less than one year, he still developed symptoms of PTSD.

Alison Fienning, MSW, LISW-S, CCTP, LMHC

Alison Fienning discusses the importance of communication between a first responder and their spouse, the need to recognize how much detail to share after a hard day, and how to stay connected in order to maintain a strong relationship. You can learn more about Alison and her work at: https://PinpointBHS.com

Amanda Brumbaugh

Amanda Brumbaugh is the wife of a police officer who has experienced the challenges of being a first responder spouse. Her advice to other spouses is to give their first responder husband or wife time to decompress when they get home from work, especially on a bad day. Amanda is also Assistant Director of First Responder Conferences. https://1stresponderconferences.org

Keith Hanks

Retired firefighter and EMT Keith Hanks explains how his most outward portrayed symptom of PTSD was anger, among others. He discusses how he used unhealthy coping methods to deal with his symptoms, until it got to the boiling point. Keith is now Director of Business Development for First Responder Coaching and tours the country speaking about his recovery at conferences and clinics. https://1strespondercoaching.org

Krista Fee, M.A.

Krista Fee explains how PTSD can dramatically shorten the careers of many first responders and how post-traumatic stress symptoms slowly build over time, often going unrecognized until it's too late. Krista is a Military and First Responder Mental Health Specialist and owner of Battle2Be, a non-profit organization that serves those who serve country and community and stands for the Fallen Never Forgotten. https://Battle2Be.org

Jane Nady, MCPC

Jane Nady is a former volunteer firefighter, wife of a firefighter, and now a Master Mindset and Trauma Coach helping first responders deal with their post-traumatic stress. Jane explains firsthand what it feels like to struggle with PTS and how the light at the end of the tunnel can seem very dark. Jane then describes how one simple text from a caring co-worker saved her life. https://ImperfectPathways.com

Mark Jorgensen

After the ambush killing of a patrol officer under his command, former Sergeant Mark Jorgensen of the Urbandale, Iowa Police Department, experienced severe survivor's guilt which led to PTSD and the need to leave the force.

Sergeant Jeremy Sprague

Sergeant Jeremy Sprague of the Des Moines, Iowa Police Department, explains how the cumulative buildup of stress over the course of a career can eventually lead to your "bucket" overflowing.

Christina Defenbaugh

Christina Defenbaugh is the wife of a former police officer who is dealing with symptoms of PTS. Christina discusses the important role of a first responder spouse and explains the need to give grace and space to those suffering from post-traumatic stress.

https://10-42Project.org

Billy Cinkay, Sergeant In Recovery

Billy Cinkay compares Tombstone Courage, usually practiced on the job, with an officer's inability to seek help with their PTS. Billy also advises to pay attention to changes in your life, listen to your loved ones and access the tools you need to maintain a happy life. You can support Billy's new mission at https://HavenDetoxNow.com

Stacy Pederson

Stacy Pederson, a motivational speaker and mental health advocate, describes how PTS pain is priceless and why you need to recognize and grieve your losses. But she also explains how you can give back to others by giving them the gift of your experience with PTS. https://StacyPederson.info

Sgt. Michael Sugrue (Ret.)

Michael Sugrue tells the heartbreaking story of how he reacted after being involved in a fatal shooting while serving as a Sergeant for the Walnut Creek, California Police Department. Purchase his new book, co-written with Shauna "Doc" Springer, at: RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma

Ron Rufo, Ed.D.

As a former Chicago police officer, Dr. Rufo describes how he was in denial about his symptoms of PTSI. He implores all first responders to address the situation at hand and to fight the stigma. Dr. Rufo also addresses why some first responders do not report symptoms for fear of damaging their careers.

Danny McAtee

Former San Francisco paramedic Danny McAtee, forced into an early retirement by PTSD, talks about just how close he got to "the breaking point."

Michelle Kaye, LPC

Michelle Kaye, Founder and Executive Director of Operation Equine, discusses the dangers of isolating from family and friends and how it can affect your children. For more information on her organization, go to https://OperationEquine.org

Christy Warren

After receiving a diagnosis of PTSD, Berkley Fire Captain Christy Warren tried to deal with the symptoms herself and not seek help. But the debilitating effects of PTSD finally caught up to her and forced her into retirement.

Shauna "Doc" Springer, Ph.D.

Shauna “Doc” Springer, Ph.D. is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and one of the world's leading experts on psychological trauma, military transition, suicide prevention and close relationships. https://DocShaunaSpringer.com In this RESIDUAL Preview, she relates how a Navy SEAL once told her being a first responder is

much more traumatic than being a Navy SEAL.

Lt. Randy Sutton (Ret.)

Retired Police Lieutenant Randy Sutton, founder of The Wounded Blue, discusses how a person's brain can fill up with traumatic memories and why cumulative PTS can be devastating to the human psyche. Follow Randy's organization at https://TheWoundedBlue.org

Aaron Groves

Retired Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Groves discusses how many first responders deal with trauma in destructive ways. Support his faith-based non-profit by visiting https://ImpactIowasHeroes.org

Michael Crowe

Michael Crowe is a retired paramedic and firefighter who served for 22 years. He explains how he tried to compartmentalize the trauma he encountered on the job in the file cabinet of his mind. Michael now works to help others at https://HeroesComfort.org

Olivia Mead

Olivia, founder of Yoga For First Responders, explains the power of mindfulness and the value of yoga to firefighters from the Colorado Springs Fire Department. Learn about her growing organization by visiting https://YogaForFirstResponders.org

Daniel Defenbaugh

Daniel Defenbaugh, a decorated police officer at the prime of his career, forced to retire because of PTSD, explains what it feels like to reach "the breaking point." Help Daniel reach out to other first responders through his new organization https://10-42project.org

Sheila Russell, LISW

Sheila Russell, a Licensed Independent Social Worker and EMDR Therapist, talks about the stigma that keeps first responders from asking for help when dealing with symptoms of PTSD. Learn more about her practice at https://FrontlineTherapyServices.com

Repeated exposure to trauma, life-threatening situations and the physical strain of working long hours on little sleep, has been shown to negatively impact the mental health of first responders.

Help the real-life heroes who put their lives on the line every day to protect our homes, guarantee our safety and quickly respond to fires, natural disasters, crimes, accidents and other traumatic events. Become a part of our team and help us make RESIDUAL a valuable resource available to all first responders and their families.

To assist in producing and distributing this important project, please contact:

Doug Hanes, Executive Producer

Transtar Entertainment Company, Inc.

P.O. Box 440123

Aurora, Colorado 80044

303-489-1450

Doug@TranstarFilm.com