Presenter
Bonnie C. Rumilly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Private Practice specializing in the treatment of Adults and First Responders. Bonnie worked in Newtown treating Trauma directly after the Sandy Hook School Shootings and is a Certified EMDR therapist. She is one of the Clinical Directors of the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team, Inc., in CT, which treats First Responders for PTSD and Trauma.
Bonnie is also a 24 + year Emergency Medical Technician and retired Chief of her EMS agency. Bonnie received the CT OEMS EMS Supporter of the Year Award in 2024.
In addition to hosting the Responder Resilience Podcast, Bonnie co-leads a weekly peer support group for First Responders.
“The EMS and fire professions are built on trust, teamwork, and the shared belief that we take care of our own. When that trust is broken, the impact can be profound. This session explores betrayal trauma and moral injury within fire and EMS culture, examining how experiences of broken trust, organizational conflict, or perceived abandonment can affect providers both professionally and personally.
Participants will learn how betrayal trauma differs from a single-incident traumatic event and explore the nervous system and behavioral responses that may occur following these experiences. The session will also provide insight into what happens in the brain during trauma and how these responses can influence emotions, decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being.
Attendees will be introduced to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in clear, non-clinical terms, including how it works and why it may be helpful for individuals experiencing the effects of betrayal-related trauma within EMS and fire service environments. The goal is to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and provide insight into pathways toward healing and recovery.
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