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The Struggles of PTSD

National PTSD Awareness Day

As we're about to wrap up June, we come upon National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Day. This is one of the most important days of June. It is a day when we are supposed to support those with a potentially deadly mental affliction. Supporting those affected by PTSD is of the utmost importance, at times it is a constant fight against oneself. It's a struggle that is not easy to win, so you shouldn't have to fight it alone.

PTSD Explained

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by exposure to a terrifying event. This event is usually so stress-inducing, that it completely warps and changes parts of the brain. The warping of the brain causes it to act, and think differently. It affects the decisions made by the person impacted with PTSD.

Changes To the Brain Caused By PTSD

The Amygdala

This is an almond-shaped 1-inch section of the brain, it is commonly known as the fire alarm of the brain. This is the section of the brain that is in charge of your fight, flight, or freeze response to dangerous situations. This section of the brain when suffering from PTSD no longer acts normally. It can turn on whenever it shouldn't as well as there are times when it will not turn off. Some people live the rest of their lives on edge under constant and immense amounts of stress due to PTSD.

The Hippocampus

This is the learning center of the brain. after suffering a traumatic event and becoming afflicted with PTSD this section of the brain will shrink and become less active. This results in issues in memory, problem-solving, trouble distinguishing past from present, being in a state of hypervigilance, and extreme emotional reactivity.

The Prefrontal Cortex

This is the front part of the brain that is responsible for your main rational decision-making. When suffering from trauma this part of the brain becomes less active. This makes it very difficult for people to control their fear response. Especially when coupled with an overactive Amygdala, a less active prefrontal cortex can leave someone in a never-ending state of fear.

How to Help Those Suffering from PTSD

Now that we understand a little more about what's going on inside of someone's brain who has PTSD. We can use this to help us understand how to help people struggling with it. Whenever someone is suffering from PTSD and they have limited rational decision-making, possible flashbacks, and are very afraid even if there is no threat.

The best thing you can do is approach slowly, with no sudden movements, and try to listen more than you speak. The goal is to comfort them in whatever way works best for them. Some may want to be held, which you should always ask before touching someone in this state. Some may not want to be touched and just want someone to listen. Others don't want to talk or touch but may simply just want you there to have your presence.

How we can help

We at Bio-One Scottsdale understand the stress that those with PTSD experience. The owner, Richard Weinblatt was in Law Enforcement for decades. Richard served as a deputy sheriff on the Mexican border, as well as Police captain in Indiana, and Chief of police in North Carolina. Due to his background, Richard has a truly vast amount of experience in helping those in a state of crisis.

Richard has passed on this experience to the team of Bio-One Scottsdale. This allows its technicians to help those in a state of crisis as well. We don't just do the work that you call us for, we are there for you. We truly care about our customers and are prepared to support them. We're not scared of being a shoulder to cry on. In the end, for us at Bio-One Scottsdale, it is always help first business second.

If you have any questions, you can reach out to us at any time. We are always here to help.

Bio-One Scottsdale

"Help First, Business Second"

24 / 7 / 365

(480) 276-4061

info@BioOneScottsdale.com


September 11 Anniversary Bio-One Remembers

Twenty years have passed, and yet the the surprise, anguish, horror, and disbelief of Tuesday, September 11, 2001 is forever imprinted in our minds and hearts. We united as a country and held each other close. As call centers were overwhelmed and cell services were drowning in volume, we desperately reserved hope for loved ones, team members, neighbors, and those we've never met. We lit candles, wrote songs and poems, and stood under an eerily engine-free sky.

First responders ran toward danger, many giving all. Twenty years later, their children have continued the tradition of service and sacrifice. [Two decades later, more children of 9/11 victims are joining the FDNY than ever before. - New York Daily News] 

Memorials and museums have risen with artifacts and stories of heroism. Most recently, the National Law Enforcement Museum re-opened with their Post - 9/11 Exhibit, showcasing 20+ artifacts that include airplane fragments from Flight 93, a steel beam from the World Trade Center, a limestone block from the damaged section of the Pentagon and part of the damaged food cart from Flight 93 when passenger Todd Beamer famously said, “Are you ready? OK. Let's roll.” 

Above all, we promised to #NeverForget. 

To honor the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, we asked Bio-One owners across the country to reflect on that fateful day. Below are their stories. 

National Law Enforcement Museum Post 9/11 Exhibit
Photo taken at the National Law Enforcement Museum Post-9/11 Exhibit.

I am a retired FDNY fireman. I was assigned to Squad 41 in the South Bronx. We lost everyone, all six, working that insane day. Me and the rest of the crew were down at the WTC site by 12:30 on 9/11. I worked down at the site for over 56 hours before we broke up into sections and teams. Long story short I was basically working at the WTC site for the next nine months. It seems like yesterday and way to many stories and close calls and everything to say in a post.

Owen McGovern, Bio-One owner in Eugene, Oregon

On September 11, 2001 I was in Tampa Florida at a training for work. Was in a conference room with glass walls and there was a tv on outside the room that I can see and saw the broadcast of the 2nd plane hitting. Also took us 4 days to get back to Connecticut because all flights were cancelled.

This year we are sponsoring the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation golf tournament on Sept 11 2021. 

David Scott, Bio-One owner in Tuscon, Arizona

I was in Lakewood, Ca just getting up and getting ready to go to school. My aunt worked in tower 2 so we were all franticly trying to call her. By the grace of God, she was not at work. She was at an OB appointment when it happened.

This year, we will be participating in a stair climb which is the number of stairs in the twin towers as well as participate in a golf tournament to raise money and awareness.

Rebecca Wallace, Bio-One owner in Flagstaff, Arizona 

I was in between classes in high school in NY, laughing with friends and not a care in the world. Little did I know the ever lasting effects this tragic event would’ve had on my life. Teachers turned on the news in class. Just as the second plane was hitting. Juan and I were in school (yes we went to HS together lol). And I knew then he was in it and would sacrifice to fight back for our country. Even 20 years later, feels like yesterday. He joined the Marine Corps. We lost many friends, even still having to say goodbye to this day. All from the events of that one very sad day.

It’s a very somber day for me. No events. Just spending time with my kids and Juan. There is the 2021 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in New York City Sunday, September 26, 2021, that I would love to do participate in. But, to be honest, going into the city scares me.

Very emotional day for all Americans. Hits my NY heart extra hard.

Nicole Morales, Bio-One owner in the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) 

I was at home in Denver with our 2 young sons, while Gregg Chiasson was in Manhattan on business. He had a flight later that day, which of course did not happen. We were unable to connect with each other for hours that day. This was frightening to me. Gregg's experience was live there in Manhattan. I'm so thankful that he was safe and made it home eventually.

Cheryl Chaisson, Bio-One owner in Denver, Colorado

I was on my way to Tulare Western HS driving in my 1987 Dodge Ram50 truck to work. I remember hearing about it on the radio and I was in disbelief. Needless to say, I had to get ready to teach 160 HS students math and chemistry throughout the day. I don’t know if I made the right choice, but I decided to treat it like a regular day and went about teaching. As a young 29 year old, the gravity of the situation didn’t hit me like most. Other than saying a few prayers throughout the day, I spent the day teaching the best I could and gave student an opportunity to ask questions if it came up.

Armand Amoranto, Bio-One owner in Oceanside, California

I was in Moscow Russia attending my first year of college. First time away from home. We had a math lecture and all of a sudden they turn on TV and we all stared in disbelief. We don’t know what is going on, we all thought it’s the beginning of world war 3. There were about 300 people in a room and we all stood up. Scary time. They sent us all home because no one including professors can concentrate but being scared on what’s next.

Viktoriya Gonzales, Bio-One owner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Bio-One Patriot Day September 11

Having been closed due to the pandemic, the National Law Enforcement Museum and Memorial (NLEMM) re-opened with the new Post-9/11 Exhibit: The Evolution of American Law Enforcement. On August 26, Bio-One was invited to a private opening reception to get a first-look and remember the brave men and women who ran toward danger 20 years ago. 

As described on the NLEMM websitethe Post-9/11 exhibit marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and honors the officers who rose to the challenge that day. This will be the first exhibition to focus on the significant changes to U.S. law enforcement that occurred in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

One of the most impactful displays in the exhibit is a wall of photos depicting all the members of law enforcement who died as a result of 9/11. As described by Police1.com, 72 officers killed on September 11, as well as 236 officers who died of illnesses contracted while working in the hazardous conditions at the WTC.

There are 20+ artifacts on display that include airplane fragments from Flight 93, a steel beam from the World Trade Center, a limestone block from the damaged section of the Pentagon and part of the damaged food cart from Flight 93 when passenger Todd Beamer famously said, “Are you ready? OK. Let's roll.” (Police1.com

Bio-One is a proud 2021 corporate partner of the museum. To learn more about the exhibit and how you can help preserve the history of law enforcement, visit NLEOMF.org.

National Telecommunications Week

The second week of April is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications professionals who dedicate their lives to serving the public. Often called the thin gold line, 911 dispatchers are true heroes behind the scenes. 

"This week-long event, initially set up in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California, is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public. It is a week that should be set aside so everyone can be made aware of their hard work and dedication." - Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International

Bio-One would like to say "Thank You" and join the many police departments and fire stations whom are recognizing 911 dispatchers across the U.S.

It is National Telecommunications Week. Our dispatchers receive the first calls, sends assistance & provide the lifeline for the public and our police officers. They are always there to answer the calls for help. We want to recognize & applaud all their efforts today & everyday. pic.twitter.com/PyJfv9TZq8— Maryland Heights PD (@MHPolice) April 12, 2021

To the voices in every officer’s head.... ♥️THANK YOU♥️ to all of the @SarpyCounty911 dispatchers! 2021 National Telecommunications week! #BPD #NationalTelecommunicatorsWeek pic.twitter.com/HJFqsq6s2D— BPD Lt. Reed (@BPDLt_Reed) April 12, 2021