Crisis Stress Team
FloridaOne ECCST
The Emerald Coast Crisis Stress Team (ECCST) is a specialized unit of peers and professionals dedicated to the psychological wellbeing of first responders. Our mission: reduce trauma's impact, build resilience, and ensure those who serve are never left behind.
What We Do
FloridaOne ECCST is an elite volunteer team providing behavioral health support to emergency personnel during and after critical incidents. Built from the ranks of mental health professionals, veterans, and current/former first responders, ECCST responds statewide—and beyond—when help is needed most. Our members include licensed mental health specialists, experienced EMTs, law enforcement, firefighters, veterans, dispatchers, and nurses—offering lived experience and proven tools to support peers in crisis.
How We Operate
ECCST Core Services
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
Peer-led, structured interventions designed to help first responders process and recover from the psychological impact of traumatic events—reducing long-term emotional strain and promoting healthy coping strategies.
Psychological First Aid
Rapid, compassionate, evidence-informed support provided in the immediate aftermath of a crisis. Helps stabilize emotional response, reduce initial distress, and foster adaptive functioning for responders in the field.
Behavioral Health Assessments
Timely mental health screenings to evaluate the psychological well-being of responders post-incident. Identifies signs of acute stress, burnout, or trauma exposure, guiding the need for further care.
Targeted Mental Health Support & Referral
Personalized follow-up services based on responder needs—direct mental health intervention or referrals to qualified specialists for counseling, therapy, or treatment of trauma-related conditions.
K-9 Support Team
Specially trained therapy dogs and handlers who provide emotional grounding, comfort, and stress relief during deployments. Their presence lowers anxiety, enhances morale, and supports psychological healing.
Responder Education & Resilience Training
Proactive mental wellness workshops and training programs helping responders build resilience, recognize early signs of stress, and implement tools for maintaining long-term mental health.
Team Development & Consultation
Expert guidance and mentorship to help agencies or regions establish their own responder mental health teams—including support for planning, training, and integration of crisis support programs.
K-9 Support Team
Meet Tessa!
Tessa is a specially trained therapy dog and a beloved member of the ECCST K-9 Support Team. Her presence during deployments provides emotional grounding, comfort, and stress relief—offering a non-verbal connection that supports psychological healing for first responders in the field.
Team Leadership
Led by Professionals Who Understand
Dr. Frank Goldstein, PhD
Director
Richea Driskell
Deputy Director
ECCST is led by Dr. Frank Goldstein, PhD, Col. USAF (Ret.) and Deputy Director Richea Driskell, EMT/Paramedic (Ret.).
Get Involved
Want to make a difference?
Join the FloridaOne ECCST and serve your community when it matters most.
Florida Needs Heroes Like You. Team Up with FloridaOne.
Step up when disaster strikes and be part of a team that delivers rapid medical aid and crisis support.