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Podchaser Its Okay Not To Be Okay | Michael Mejia
Key Takeaways
- Michael Mejia shares his unique transition from pursuing a career as an aerospace engineer to serving communities as a firefighter and paramedic.
- The conversation emphasizes that it is okay not to be okay, highlighting critical mental health challenges faced by first responders.
- Building a strong sense of brotherhood and open dialogue within emergency services is essential for long-term personal and professional well-being.
- Continuous learning and strong leadership play vital roles in navigating the high-stress environments of military, veteran, and first responder careers.
- Honor guard traditions and a renewed sense of purpose help first responders honor their commitment to service while staying grounded.
Michael shares his inspiring journey from aspiring aerospace engineer to dedicated firefighter and paramedic. He discusses leadership, the importance of continuous learning, and mental health in emergency services. In this episode, Michael shares his insights on mental health, honor guard, and the importance of brotherhood among first responders. The conversation highlights the need for open dialogue, purpose, and community support in the emergency services profession.
michael.mejia@forgedthroughthefire.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Micheal Mejia?
Michael Mejia is a dedicated firefighter and paramedic who transitioned from studying aerospace engineering to a career in emergency services, and he advocates heavily for first responder mental health.
What is the main message of the 'Its Okay Not To Be Okay' episode?
The episode focuses on normalizing mental health struggles among first responders, breaking the stigma of asking for help, and fostering a supportive culture of brotherhood.
Why is mental health highlighted in emergency services?
First responders regularly face high-stress, traumatic situations, making open dialogue, community support, and mental health awareness critical for their survival and well-being.
Paramedic Firefighter
Michael Mejia, MBA, NRP, is a firefighter, paramedic, and EMS educator whose work connects clinical care, operational leadership, and first responder support. His approach is rooted in a personal experience. Watching his mother, Yolanda Santander, battle the cancer that ultimately claimed her life. Her experience shaped his commitment to giving every patient the compassion and dignity he wanted for her.
Over nearly two decades, Michael’s career has spanned airport fire rescue, technical rescue, tactical medicine, neonatal intensive care transport, disaster response, and on-track fire rescue for NASCAR and IMSA events. He serves at Orlando International Airport, and his leadership experience includes HERT team leader and trainer, strike team commander for planned missions and emergency responses, and deputy commander of the United National Honor Guard, commanding its Fire Department Division.
A former EMS program director overseeing five campuses, Michael stepped down to pursue his master’s degree in nursing. He continues to develop future clinicians as an EMS educator, EMS World faculty member, preceptor, and field training officer, emphasizing critical thinking, compassionate communication, and sound judgment under pressure.
Michael believes medicine is both a science and an art in its practice. Science provides the knowledge and evidence; the art lies in applying them thoughtfully to the person in front of you. That philosophy guides his approach to patient care, education, and leadership.
Michael also helped establish and lead his depa… Read More