#220 The Rescue: True Guardians with Larry Merrifield and Mike Gillespie

Welcome to Season 5 of Blink of an Eye, where we delve into the transformative journey from trauma to resilience for those with spinal cord injuries. This season, you'll be captivated by raw and real-life experiences, from the initial injury through the arduous recovery, showcasing not just survival but the quest for a better, thriving new normal.

In today’s episode, we will talk with Mike Gillespie and Larry Merrifield, lifeguards and EMS rescuers from the Ocean City Maryland Beach Patrol. They will share their firsthand experiences of what happens behind the scenes during an SCI rescue in the United States.

We'll learn how each of us can develop muscle memory to respond effectively to crises by rehearsing, even if we never actually experience one. You might be the one to assist in an SCI rescue, and today you'll gain valuable insights into what to do.

Additionally, we'll explore how SCIs impact EMS workers, who can carry the emotional weight of these experiences for life. Acute spinal cord injuries are catastrophic events that affect many people beyond the SCI family.

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye

Non-Profit:

 A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com,  www.BeingRelational.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about learning relational advocacy and mediation skills for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediators to know themselves.