“Mindset Over Matter” is a first-hand tale on why a paramedic decided to leave her life in EMS behind and take on the most physically challenging trail in the United States! Amanda made a decision that without a doubt changed how she saw people, how she viewed the world, and how she understood herself. With seemingly little warning, Amanda tendered her resignation as a Paramedic-Lieutenant for a 911 EMS service and left EMS. Three months later her dad dropped her off in Georgia, alone, with one goal: Thru hike the entire Appalachian Trail. With twenty-five pounds of only the essentials in her backpack, the thirty-three year old paramedic traded shift work for seven and a half months of living in the woods and hiking nearly twenty two hundred miles. She endured harsh weather, a regional drought, rugged terrain, and so much more on a journey that evolved her in ways she could not have ever imagined. After deciding to return to EMS, Amanda now brings her story to fellow providers in hopes to help them strengthen their resiliency, re-direct their mind during trying times, and to look at their life with an improved perspective.
Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participant will be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of burn out within the EMS field.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to understand when it is time to act on these signs and symptoms to cope with burnout or make a change.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to utilize mental techniques and strategies to not only handle burnout, but day to day difficulties that arise in their life.