In this episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric Clauss speaks with Briana Browne, a suicide survivor who has turned her experience into a life-saving mission. Briana shares her emotional recollection of waking up in the hospital, her road to mental health recovery, and the moment she realized she had survived a nearly impossible fall. She discusses the stigma around suicide, the importance of proper language (saying “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide”), and how emergency responders and healthcare professionals can better support individuals in crisis. Briana also details her advocacy with the Bridge Barrier Coalition, which successfully implemented a temporary barrier and secured plans for a permanent suicide prevention structure at the Natchez Trace Bridge. Now working with the Trauma Survivors Network at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, she shares how faith, therapy, music, and a strong support system have played a role in her healing. Briana offers powerful words of encouragement for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, reminding listeners that hope and help are always available. Understanding the warning signs of mental distress and offering compassionate intervention can make a critical difference, especially for first responders, emergency nurses, and healthcare professionals who often encounter individuals at their lowest moments. Encouraging peer support programs and a culture of mental health openness within emergency services can prevent tragedies and help providers care for themselves as well. Applications for Leaders & Healthcare Professionals: Language Matters: Leaders in EMS, healthcare, and emergency response must use proper terminology—phrases like “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide” help remove the stigma. Suicide Prevention in Leadership: EMS professionals, hospital staff, and first responders are often the first points of contact for individuals in crisis. Briana’s story highlights the importance of trauma-informed care, compassionate response, and proactive mental health initiatives within emergency and healthcare settings. Advocacy & Policy Change: Leaders can use their voices to advocate for safety measures, like bridging barriers, crisis response teams, and mental health access, to prevent future tragedies. The Power of Survivor Stories: Briana’s work with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Trauma Survivors Network shows how lived experiences can educate and inspire change—an essential lesson for leaders looking to engage survivors in policy and training discussions. Supporting Mental Health in Teams: EMS and healthcare professionals face high-stress environments. This episode reinforces the importance of peer support programs, open conversations about mental health, and suicide prevention resources for those in service. Recognizing Warning Signs & Peer Support in EMS: Emergency responders often witness signs of mental distress in colleagues and patients. Encouraging mental health check-ins, peer support programs, and open discussions can help prevent burnout and crisis escalation. First responders are trained to save lives—that includes their own and those of their peers. Leaders must foster a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. This episode is more than just a story of survival—it’s a call to action for leaders, first responders, and healthcare professionals to challenge the stigma around suicide, implement meaningful prevention strategies, and provide compassionate care to those in crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Thank you, Briana, for all the hope you are bringing to our profession and individuals! You can reach out to Briana at [email protected]