A Lifeline For NYC’s EMS with Guest Danielle Gustafson | S5 E53
We sit down with Danielle Gustafson, the passionate Executive Director of the EMS FDNY Help Fund, a beacon of hope for New York City's Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. These first responders confront an array of obstacles—from the relentless pressures of their job to the barriers in accessing the care they desperately need.
In this episode of *Responder Resilience*, we sit down with Danielle Gustafson, the passionate Executive Director of the EMS FDNY Help Fund, a beacon of hope for New York City's Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. These first responders confront an array of obstacles—from the relentless pressures of their job to the barriers in accessing the care they desperately need.
Danielle reveals the unseen struggles these rescue warriors face, shedding light on how the Help Fund steps in during times of crisis—providing vital support systems in the wake of death, injury, illness, or hardship. We’ll explore the fund’s initiatives, including urgent counseling services and its monumental response during COVID-19, when it provided meals and shelter to those fighting on the frontlines.
Throughout our conversation, we’ll tackle poignant questions: What do NYC’s EMS personnel truly need? How do their challenges differ from those faced by their fire counterparts? This episode unearths the raw truth behind the sirens, the silenced stories of sacrifice, and the unyielding resolve of those who answer the calls. Join us for a compelling dialogue that underscores not just the importance of mental and emotional support for our first responders, but why their well-being is essential for the safety of us all.
Now available! Helping the Helpers: A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969267003
EMS FDNY HELP FUND:
Website: http://emsfdnyhelpfund.com/
https://www.facebook.com/emsfdnyhf/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/emsfdnyhelpfund
https://www.instagram.com/ems.fdny.helpfund/
Contact Danielle Gustafson:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedaniellegustafson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedaniellegustafson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegustafson/
Contact Responder Resilience:
Phone: +1 844-344-6655
Email: info@respondertv.com
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/responderTV/
Executive Director, EMS FDNY Help Fund
In April 2020, I found a way to support those who were on the front lines of fighting the COVID-19 epidemic in New York City. The EMS FDNY Help Fund is relatively new and its mission is to support the Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics that respond to NYC's 911 calls. These Emergency Medical Services are a critical part of the infrastructure of our society - a safety net. I tell people that in a perfect world, you wouldn't need this fund, but the world is not perfect....
I support the Fund with more than twenty years experience as a Digital Pioneer -I launched Unicef's first website along with the New York Stock Exchange's and then ran their digital footprint for over a decade. I am known for serving as a trusted advisor and partner for all stakeholders - team contributors to C-Suite and Board.
