Invisible Wounds: Understanding First Responder Trauma and Restoring Hope

Registration


There is no cost for this online course. The estimated time to complete this on-demand course is 60 minutes. Learners will complete a post-assessment with a passing score of 75%.

Before enrolling in this educational activity, you must log in or create an account.

Once you register for the course, you will have 30 days from the date of enrollment to complete the course. The date your access expires will be indicated in the Course Summary box on this webpage.
 

Target Audience

Healthcare professionals.

Educational Need

First responders are routinely exposed to critical incidents, human suffering, loss, and other occupational stressors that can have cumulative effects on their physical and psychological health. Trauma-related symptoms may go unrecognized or untreated because of stigma, occupational culture, limited clinician familiarity with first responder experiences, and barriers to accessing appropriate care. Healthcare professionals need a greater understanding of the unique stressors experienced by first responders, how cumulative trauma may affect health, relationships, and professional functioning, and how stigma can influence help-seeking behaviors. Education is needed to strengthen clinicians’ ability to recognize concerns, respond using trauma-informed approaches, and connect first responders with appropriate resources and support.

Activity Description

This educational activity will examine the occupational stressors and cumulative trauma experienced by first responders and their potential effects on physical health, mental health, personal relationships, and professional functioning. Participants will explore the culture and stigma that may discourage first responders from acknowledging concerns or seeking assistance and consider how these factors can influence interactions with healthcare professionals. The session will identify practical, trauma-informed approaches clinicians can use to recognize concerns, communicate effectively, facilitate access to appropriate care, and support recovery and resilience among first responders.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify occupational stressors and traumatic exposures unique to first responders and recognize their potential cumulative effects.
  2. Describe the physical, psychological, interpersonal, and professional effects of chronic stress and trauma among first responders.
  3. Examine how stigma and occupational culture can create barriers to recognizing concerns and seeking behavioral healthcare.
  4. Apply trauma-informed strategies to better recognize, communicate with, and support first responders who may benefit from additional care or resources.

Speakers

Daniel Defenbaugh
President and Founder, 10-42 Project

Christina Defenbaugh
Co-Founder, 10-42 Project

Andrea Wilson, MA
Founder of Education and Resilience for Criminal Justice Professionals, and Ambassador, 10-42 Project

Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Recording date: February 26, 2026
Date of original release: February 26, 2026
Most recent review/update: February 26, 2026
Termination date: February 25, 2028

Course summary

Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 1.00 AOA Category 2­B
  • 1.00 CE Contact Hour(s)
  • 1.00 Podiatry
Course opens: 
02/26/2026
Course expires: 
02/25/2028
Cost:
$0.00

Accreditation Statements

  • DO: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 AOA Category 2-B credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
  • DPM: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education as a provider of continuing education in podiatric medicine. DMU has approved this activity for a maximum of 1.0 continuing education contact hours.
  • MD: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS). Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the IMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this enduring materials activity for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • Other healthcare providers: This activity is designated for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

Educational Grants

No ineligible company provided financial support for this continuing education activity. 

Disclosures

The speaker(s) will disclose if any pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, or devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The activity director is responsible for determining educational content and selecting speakers. 

Relevant to the content of this educational activity, the following individual(s) have no conflict(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Daniel Defenbaugh - Speaker
  • Christina Defenbaugh - Speaker
  • Andrea Wilson, MA - Speaker

Disclaimer

The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only. It is not a substitute for a healthcare provider's independent medical judgment regarding diagnostic and treatment options for a specific patient's medical condition. 

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 1.00 AOA Category 2­B
  • 1.00 CE Contact Hour(s)
  • 1.00 Podiatry

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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