Your Grief Protocol: A Trauma-Informed System for Navigating Loss in Public Safety

Grief is an inevitable part of public safety work, yet most responders have never been taught how to process it in a way that protects their mental and physical health while also giving structure and meaning to the hardships they face. This presentation introduces The Grief Protocol — a psychological and physiological framework designed for EMS, fire, police, and dispatch professionals navigating both micro- and macro-level grief. The presenters combine evidence-based grief theory with research-backed nervous-system regulation to offer a practical, accessible approach to loss. Drawing on Worden’s Tasks of Mourning, Neimeyer’s meaning-making framework, and autonomic nervous system science, this session explains why grief impacts the mind and body so powerfully—and how responders can support themselves through it. Participants will learn concrete tools, including breath work, movement, and grounding techniques that can be used during and after critical incidents. Through a blend of education and brief guided practices, attendees will leave with a repeatable protocol they can use on duty, off duty, and throughout their careers.