The acts of terrorism and mass murder that are tragically becoming far too common in our community and across the world take an emotional toll on the first responders responsible for caring for victims, survivors and families.

On Friday, experts and first responders will gather at UCF to share personal experiences, strategies for self-care, and more.

The event, “First Responders & Critical Incidents in a New World,” begins at 9 a.m. June 16, in room 101 of Classroom II, located adjacent to Memory Mall. Free parking is available in Garage H, and light refreshments will be provided.

Attendees are encouraged to register for the event, which is free of cost, on Eventbrite.

The seminar will be facilitated by Dr. Larry Barton, a distinguished professor of crisis management and public safety at UCF. He is the highest-rated instructor at the FBI Academy and U.S. Marshals Service and has studied critical incidents for more than 30 years.

Presentations and discussions will include:

  • Insight From Manchester: Dr. Denis Fischbacher-Smith of the University of Glasgow is a leading authority in Europe on issues of resilience by first responders who will discuss the recent act of terror at a concert in Manchester.
  • Pulse and PTSD: Orlando Police Department Lt. Scott Smith will share his experience as a first responder to Pulse, while Dr. Deborah Beidel, director of UCF RESTORES, will talk about PTSD and trauma management therapy.
  • Breaking Bad News: Dr. Anthony Orsini, a member of Orlando Health’s neonatal intensive care team, will explain how he and his team infuse compassion into the delivery of heartbreaking news.

    • Dr. Barton also will share an assessment of current threats and trends.

    No police officer, EMT, nurse, physician or other first responder is immune to shock, sadness and lingering trauma, and Friday’s program intends to help attendees understand how to maintain their own sense of awareness in a critical incident and the days that follow.

    The event is a partnership between the UCF Police Department and UCF University Relations.