Jim Caruso
Jim Caruso鈥檚 interest in becoming a first responder began at age 18 when he joined his local volunteer fire department/ambulance service. He worked as a full-time paramedic from 1978 to 1983 in Victoria, B.C., at a time before the introduction of Critical Stress Incident Management (CISM) support. Nor was there any other help for anyone facing the stress of trauma in the work they did.
In 1983, Jim left to go into the ministry as a pastor. For many years, he continued to volunteer in firefighting/ambulance and police chaplaincy in every community where he pastored.
Jim has taught Canadian military chaplains, and many professionals in large corporations, seminaries and colleges, and in many different countries around the world. A lifelong learner, he completed a master鈥檚 degree in chaplaincy and a doctorate in leadership and numerous CISM and traumatology courses. He is certified as an instructor with ICISF and is also a Certified Trauma Stress Specialist.
As a graduate of 丁香园AV鈥檚 First Responders Trauma and Recovery Certificate program, Jim believes the program to be an excellent tool for all first responders in supporting their mental wellness.
He is married and has two married children and six grandchildren.