This is a psychoeducational and interactive presentation to provide practical understanding of the brain’s processing of critical incidents (that is, occupational trauma), along with offering pragmatic tools on how to prepare for it. In this presentation we will cover: 1) the types of post-traumatic stress, 2) what is going on in the brain following a traumatic exposure, and 3) research-based strategies that can help prepare for the psychological after-effects of a critical incident. Overall, the presentation is meant to provide practical strategies to equip firefighters on how to prepare themselves to manage the stressors – as they arise. The goal is to broaden understanding of what is going on in the brain when stress symptoms emerge, to prepare firefighters to know what to do about it and take care of their mental wellbeing.