Episode 112: Trauma Informed Care for Public Safety with Becky Swan M.R.Sc., CAT(C), C.S.C.S., TSAC-F

Fire Rescue Wellness

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Becky Swan is one of the OGs in tactical personnel care, having been the athletic therapist with the Vancouver Police Department for the past 13.5 years! During our recent trek across the Canadian border, I also learned she is among the most adventurous and kind humans I've ever met.
During today's podcast, she and I spoke about the care she provided for the Vancouver PD, how that role evolved during her time there, and her new role with the West Vancouver PD.
Becky Swan recently started as the Wellness Coordinator with the West Vancouver Police Department, where she will develop wellness initiatives for the department's employees. Before this recent change, for the past 13.5 years, she was the Athletic Therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the Vancouver Police Department, where she led the Physical Health & Performance Team, which provides on-site rehabilitation, physical conditioning/testing, and various wellness initiatives.

She started as the VPD's Fitness Coordinator in 2010 and progressed from the solo wellness position to the Physical Health and Performance Management Specialist, where she oversaw a fitness coordinator and two athletic therapists. In addition to her team, she implemented an on-site contract physical therapy service that provides physiotherapy and massage services to all employees.

She continued her education by completing her Master of Rehabilitation Science degree, where she created various police officer wellness initiatives and conducted a study exploring stakeholder perspectives on how to implement physical rehabilitation programs effectively in police departments.

In 2021, Becky became a Trauma Resiliency Peer Trainer, assisting in educating VPD members on trauma and how to support each other. This led her to growing her knowledge of taking a trauma-informed approach to caring for her police officers and educating other therapists/strength coaches on how to implement a trauma-informed care approach.

Externally, she supports the growth and development of police officer wellness resources by speaking at various conferences internationally. Her goal is to spread awareness of officer wellness and connect wellness professionals, officers, and police agencies to support future growth and collaboration.
So what, now what?
Although Becky works for Police agencies, her approach and dedication to trauma-informed care are models for public safety throughout North America.
Contact Becky: [e-mail]
Check out her website!

Resources Becky mentioned:
Wounded Warrior/Dr. Tim Black
Widen the Window/Dr. Elizabeth Stanley

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