In this episode, O.P. Almaraz, the host of All Things Wildfire, interviews Jason Sautel, a firefighter, author, and advocate for mental health within the first responder community. The episode explores Jason’s journey from a troubled childhood to a successful career in firefighting and his mission to inspire others through his personal story of overcoming trauma.
Key Highlights:
- Jason’s Background:
- Jason started firefighting at 18 in Hemet, California. Coming from a troubled household with little love and support, he found purpose in firefighting.
- His first experience with the fire department stemmed from a random encounter involving a dumpster fire. Encouragement from a firefighter redirected his life, leading him to volunteer, become a seasonal firefighter, and eventually a paramedic.
- Oakland Firefighter Experience:
- Jason transitioned to working as a firefighter in Oakland, facing a major culture shock but growing immensely in his career.
- His firefighting work in West Oakland exposed him to frequent trauma due to the area’s high crime and drug rates.
- The Importance of Mentorship:
- Jason credits a firefighter’s mentorship as a key turning point in his life. He encourages firefighters to recognize their influence on young people and take the time to mentor and uplift those who may need it.
- Firefighters and Community Outreach:
- Jason discussed the difference between “fake” and “real” outreach, emphasizing that genuine connection and small acts of kindness can change lives, as demonstrated by his experience mentoring a young girl in Oakland.
- Jason’s Mental Health Journey:
- Jason opened up about his struggles with PTSD and how the continuous trauma he experienced as a firefighter pushed him to a dark place where he contemplated suicide.
- A firefighter friend from San Francisco unknowingly intervened and helped him pull out of the darkness. His relationship with a woman of faith also brought him back to church, where he embraced Christianity.
- Faith and Support:
- Jason explained that faith helped him find purpose, but the journey out of trauma isn’t only for the religious. He emphasized the importance of finding hope and help from any source—faith-based or otherwise.
- He urged firefighters and others to seek help and be available to support their peers through difficult times.
- Jason’s Near-Death Experience:
- Jason shared a pivotal moment when he was trapped in a fire and believed he wouldn’t survive. This life-threatening event became his “come to Jesus” moment, further deepening his faith and sense of purpose.
- Writing The Rescuer:
- Jason’s book, The Rescuer, recounts his journey and struggles, aiming to offer hope to others. Although he initially doubted its impact, hearing from a firefighter who was inspired by his story convinced him to finish the book.
- The book has resonated with both firefighters and civilians, offering insight into the emotional toll of the job and the importance of community support.
- Event and Call to Action:
- Jason will be speaking at an upcoming chaplain’s breakfast event, “Two Are Better Than One,” focused on mental health, community support, and faith-based encouragement for firefighters and their families.
- The Importance of Vulnerability:
- Jason urged firefighters and first responders to open up about their struggles to their spouses and loved ones. He emphasized the strength of relying on one’s spouse, who can handle the emotional burden and offer support.
- He also stressed that isolation worsens the mental toll, and people need to reach out for help, whether through friendships, family, or professional support.
Final Thoughts:
Jason Sautel’s story is a powerful reminder that first responders, while viewed as heroes, are human and deeply affected by the trauma they experience. His call to action encourages both first responders and those around them to recognize the importance of mental health, community, and faith. Through his book The Rescuer, public speaking, and ongoing advocacy, Jason continues to inspire and challenge others to seek help and be the help someone else may need.
Resources:
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