Somatics for Emergency Services
The Police Force
Ambulance & First-Aid Attendants
The Fire Department
The Military Forces

Somatics for Emergency Services

When having to act under pressure, it becomes essential to have full control over one’s own body, its behavior and its movements. Understanding and embodying the somatic concepts is a definite asset when having to perform under stress. It is not only important to become aware of the processes within your own body (the effects of positive or negative stress), but it also becomes important to develop a routine to unwind your system of the stresses and strains of the day. An accumulation of the ‘damaging’ effects of stress over time will result in a body that is not able to perform anymore at its highest potential. Besides the regular physical and emotional stress, it is the people who have to respond in emergency situations who are exposed to often dangerous and horrific moments as well. A greater awareness within your own system will automatically create a greater awareness of your surroundings, which can easily be a lifesaver. When the body reacts in a clearer way, it is also the clearer mind that will be able to decide better which direction to take.

‘Somatics for Emergency Services’ - Workshops can be organized in your area. Please contact The Somatic Health Center for further details.

The Police Force

Besides all of the above mentioned information, police officers also have to deal with:

• a heavy belt around their waist that subconsciously tenses all muscles of the trunk. When this tension is not released, it can easily accumulate over time and start restricting spinal movement. Besides spinal problems, this can also lead to other injuries like sprained ankles or knees, headaches, tennis elbow or even a dysfunction of internal organs. It will be an asset for The Force to develop a program for the officers to maintain flexibility and health within their spine, read: within their body. For Highway Patrol Officers a similar program can be developed to reverse the rigidity of ‘sitting’ in their car many hours a day. A somatic routine of physical movements that can be performed in 5 or 10 minutes can be a first step towards greater health, flexibility & prevention. Please contact The Somatic Health Center for further details.

• ‘the function of standing up straight’.
  When dealing with other people in difficult situations, a powerful stance needs to be taken. It is only when standing straight or even slightly over-straight that you as a police officer will gain respect from the other party. When understanding the ‘function of standing’, it will become easier for you to decide how to position yourself in difficult situations. When also understanding ‘the function of facing’, it will also become easier to communicate in difficult situations. This clearer and better presentation of ‘The Law’ might result in a more compliant other party, solving and preventing any future complications.

• Understanding human behavior in relation to, for instance, violence. It is a dysfunction within certain areas of the brain that lead to violent behavior. When understanding the latest ‘brain physiology’ in coordination with the somatic concepts, it becomes easier to ‘read’ the people you are dealing with.

‘Somatics for Police Officers’ -Workshops can be organized in your area. Injury prevention and explaining violent behavior can be important components of the program. Please contact The Somatic Health Center for further details.

Ambulance and First-Aid Attendants

It is important to be able to move, think and react at the same time. Often under pressure. When understanding and embodying the somatic concepts, you will be able to respond with more ease and with less panic. Evaluating emergency situations and accidents will also become clearer when understanding the human reflexes of movement. Your own body will be stronger physically and emotionally, leading to less discomfort and injuries for yourself.

‘Somatics for Ambulance / First-Aid Attendants’ - Workshops can be organized in your area. Please contact The Somatic Health Center for further details.

The Fire Department

To cope with the workload of a fireman, you will have to be in shape. Your body needs to be strong and flexible, being able to respond appropriately at any moment in emergency situations. No matter if you are wearing heavy boots, heavy gear, helmets or any other equipment, you will have to be able to move. Understanding and embodying the fundamental concepts of human movement will be a great asset for any fireman. Your body will not only be in greater shape physically, but you will also be emotionally stronger. It is the somatic perspective that strengthens both at the same time. Prevention of injuries is also an important component of the somatic program.

‘Somatics for Fire Departments’ - Workshops can be organized in your area. Please contact The Somatic Health Center for further details.

The Military Forces

When serving the nation, you will have to attend heavy training programs that prepare you for the expected, but also for the unexpected. Your body needs to be strong and flexible, being able to respond appropriately at any moment in emergency situations. No matter if you are wearing heavy boots, heavy gear, helmets or any other equipment, you will have to be able to move. Understanding and embodying the somatic concepts of human movement is fundamental knowledge for anybody in the military. Your body will not only be in greater shape physically, but you will also be emotionally stronger. It is the somatic perspective that strengthens both at the same time. Prevention of injuries is also an important component of the somatic program.

Workshops for Military Officers can be organized in your area. Please contact The Somatic Health Center for further details.