#232 D.D. Finder - First Responder | Medical Professional | Author
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D.D. Finder is a former Flight and ICU Nurse, EMT-Basic, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, and author with more than 20 years of healthcare experience. Throughout his career, he has earned multiple awards for excellence in patient care, both in-flight and in the hospital. Finder lives in Colorado with his wife and continues to serve as an RN. He is the author of Ready Left, Ready Right, a powerful novel that explores resilience and courage in the world of helicopter EMS. His deep respect for first responders and nurses fuels his writing, where he highlights their intelligence, dedication, sacrifice, and compassion. A dedicated medical professional, and returned Peace Corps volunteer, Finder has built his life around service and the pursuit of human potential. Beyond medicine, he is a challenge seeker who has participated in a world record attempt and recently hiked the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in a single day. He has lived in underserved and remote communities throughout Central and South America, working on the front lines in some of the most isolated areas. His mission is to inspire and support first responders and nurses by sharing hard-earned lessons and giving back to a profession that has both shaped and tested him.
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Welcome to the latest post on The Mountain Side Podcast blog, where we explore the journey of D.D. Finder, a writer and author who has dedicated much of his life to service, both in the medical field as a flight nurse and as a Peace Corps volunteer. His experiences offer a unique perspective on the trials and triumphs of living a life dedicated to helping others.
Meeting D.D. Finder In our recent episode, we were joined by D.D. Finder, an exceptional individual whose life story is filled with service, resilience, and transformation. His latest book, "Ready, Left, Ready Right," reflects on his experiences and insights gained through years of helping others.
From Peace Corps to Flight Nurse D.D. spent his early career in the Peace Corps, teaching agri-forestry and helping improve public health in Guatemala and Honduras. These experiences were instrumental in shaping his perspective on the world and igniting his passion for the medical field. He later became a flight nurse, responding to emergencies and providing critical care in life-or-death situations.
The Challenges of the First Responder Life. Life as a first responder is fraught with challenges, and D.D. has seen it all—from high-stress helicopter rescues to dealing with the aftermath of traumatic calls. The constant pressure and responsibility took a toll on his health, leading to severe insomnia and eventual burnout.
Finding New Paths Through Ketamine Therapy and Sleep Science In his quest for relief, D.D. discovered the benefits of ketamine therapy and sought help from sleep scientist Rob Sweetman to improve his quality of life through the 62 Romeo program. These therapies have been transformative for D.D., allowing him to manage his sleep and mental health more effectively.
Overcoming Childhood Trauma D.D.'s story also delves into his childhood, where he faced challenges that many first responders resonate with—growing up in a difficult household and dealing with the psychological impacts well into adulthood. These experiences have shaped his commitment to empathy and care in his professional life.
The Importance of Empathy and Connection Throughout our conversation, D.D. emphasized the importance of empathy and human connection. Whether dealing with patients in the ICU or writing stories that inspire, his focus has always been on building meaningful relationships and making a difference.
The Road to Recovery and New Beginnings Today, D.D. continues to serve in the medical community, but his path has shifted to focus on writing and speaking engagements. His dedication to sharing his story aims to help others who might be facing similar challenges.
Conclusion: A Story of Transformation and Hope D.D. Finder’s journey exemplifies the resilience and dedication required in the pursuit of service. His experiences remind us that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for healing and personal growth. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to sit down with D.D. and learn from his wealth of experience and wisdom. For more insightful conversations and stories of transformation, stay tuned to The Mountain Side Podcast, and don't forget to check out D.D.'s book, "Ready, Left, Ready Right," available on Amazon. Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery!