Hello and welcome to the first edition of the newsletter. A lot has taken place over the last few months in order to bring this web site and newsletter to the internet. Thanks go out to many people and in particular to the web designer, Scott van der Sluys of Duncan, British Columbia, Canada for his hard work on the design and web lay out. Without his patience with those of us who are truly challenged in understanding all of the technical aspects (as most of us older types understand) ... it looks easy -- but...

In regards to the other sections of the web site, please check out the links page. Click on the various web links containing information that should be of interest to those of you who are seeking answers to the many questions you may have regarding stress, job burn out, acute stress, and post traumatic stress disorder. The process of getting the website here has involved a lot of research, which was started in 2001 and continues to this day.

This posting, since it is the first of many to come, is short. I will end with some thoughts and commentary.

I hope that you will find your way out of any emotional backpressure that you are experiencing. If you are lost in the emotional smoke of stress, no matter what the type, that you will be able to access the information on this site and that it will help you find your way back from the stress and strain of your calling, be it fire fighting, police or emergency medical work.

Use the FIRST STEP HOPE acronym and add it to your tool box. It works. Remember the acronym YAHOO......which stands for "You Always Have Options Open".

Stay safe in the service and ask for help. It is there.

Editor: Shannon H. Pennington