Name
Sanctuary Trauma – When You’re Stuck Between the Rig and a Hard Place
Date & Time
Friday, February 6, 2026, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Speakers
Nikki Hensler Gordon, Perspectives Consulting/Iron Star Peer Support & Resiliency
Tim Lorenz, IronStar Peer Support and Resiliency
Tim Lorenz, IronStar Peer Support and Resiliency
Description
This session explores sanctuary trauma—what happens when trusted systems like the department or the home become sources of psychological harm instead of safety. We’ll examine how moral injury, institutional betrayal, and strained personal relationships impact mental health and long-term functioning for EMS professionals. Attendees will gain practical tools to identify sanctuary trauma, advocate for cultural change, and foster safer spaces within leadership and peer dynamics. With real-world insight and trauma-informed strategies, this session offers both validation and action for those stuck in the middle.
Location Name
Expo Hall Stage
Full Address
Resch Expo
840 Armed Forces Dr
Ashwaubenon, WI 54304
United States
840 Armed Forces Dr
Ashwaubenon, WI 54304
United States
Session Type
Lecture
CAPCE Topic Area
Culture of Safety
CAPCE Category
Operations
Number of CE Credits
1
Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the participants will be able to:
1. Define sanctuary trauma and explain how it manifests in both institutional and relational contexts for EMS professionals.
2. Identify signs of moral injury and organizational betrayal within EMS culture and their impact on provider mental health and retention.
3. Apply trauma-informed leadership strategies to reduce sanctuary trauma and promote psychological safety across teams and systems.
4. Recognize how strained or unsupported home environments can compound sanctuary trauma and contribute to burnout and emotional exhaustion.
5. Explore the role of peer support structures in preventing isolation and mitigating the effects of sanctuary trauma in EMS settings.
1. Define sanctuary trauma and explain how it manifests in both institutional and relational contexts for EMS professionals.
2. Identify signs of moral injury and organizational betrayal within EMS culture and their impact on provider mental health and retention.
3. Apply trauma-informed leadership strategies to reduce sanctuary trauma and promote psychological safety across teams and systems.
4. Recognize how strained or unsupported home environments can compound sanctuary trauma and contribute to burnout and emotional exhaustion.
5. Explore the role of peer support structures in preventing isolation and mitigating the effects of sanctuary trauma in EMS settings.