Pink Elephants, Coordinated Chaos and Cake: Caring for People as a First Responder with Scott Reasor

What does caring for people really look like when everything is on the line? In this episode, EMT and Paramedic Instructor Scott Reasor offers a thoughtful perspective on caring for others from the frontlines of emergency response. With decades of experience as a firefighter, EMT, and now a continuing education director, Scott shares stories that bridge his experiences as a first responder with the relational work of therapists. • We talk about: • The myth of the “right” response—and the importance of adapting as data evolves • What “pink elephants” have to do with trust, mutual respect and de-escalation • How the gift of presence can go beyond protocol to address human need The story of a woman who brought cake to the firehouse as a thank-you for attending to her emotional needs—and how that sparked a culture shift Why “treating people like humans” isn’t just kindness—it’s clinical wisdom Whether you’re stabilizing someone after a car accident or sitting with a client in emotional crisis, this episode explores what it means to show up and care, even when you don’t have all the answers.