Tales from First Responders: Denise Moch Cuillo

7th May 2018

This month, leading up to Memorial Day, we at Levana Bratique are honoring First Responders. Today, we share an interview with Denise Moch Cuillo, who is busy saving lives in New York. 

My job as a first responder can be intense. I never knowwhat the day will bring. It can be physically demanding, mentally challenging,emotionally draining, incredibly rewarding... and that may just be call #1. Iworked on an ambulance for 24 years, and became a flight medic 3 years ago.

I like working with people. I like talking to my patients; Ilike making them feel like they are the most important thing in the world atthat moment, and that their concerns are relevant and being taken seriously. Ilike the challenge of sorting out the puzzle they present. And every now andagain, we get to make a difference. And that is the most humbling ofexperiences.

The hardest part is bearing witness. Abused children, drugoverdoses, motor vehicle accidents, sudden cardiac arrests, crazy accidents...mothers, fathers, children, spouses. And so often, the outcome is predetermined(or so it feels), and nothing we do can or will change that.

When I talk to women starting in this career, I try to sharea few things. First, have a healthy release, because this job is incrediblydraining (the depression rate is nearly 40%). That "release" shouldnot include drugs, alcohol, or the bed of your co-workers. YOU HAVE TO TAKECARE OF YOURSELF. Second, hang on to your humanity. This job can change us; webecome desensitized, we become bitter, we become judgmental, and we take thatout on our families, our patients, and each other. At the end of the day, youneed to be able to look yourself in the mirror and be OK with the job you didthat day - you have to answer to your soul. It takes courage to admit you'rehurting, but you cannot heal until you do. And last - but definitely important-look professional. We wear a uniform for a reason. If you want to be takenseriously as a professional, you have to take yourself seriously as aprofessional.

Speaking of uniforms, I wear a sports bra for work. Thishardworking piece of clothing has to support the D cups, cannot bind around thechest, the straps have to wide enough not to pinch at the clavicle, and itcannot "shift" or leave me spilling out the top. Wicking isimperative, and I prefer wire-less. Basically, this bra has to fully support mewhile being nearly invisible.

Not at work? I will still reach for a sports bra, but willusually choose a medium support option unless I'm exercising. I've never beenable to find an underwire sports bra "off the rack" that actuallyfits. I need coverage (they keep the offices COLD), and I require some support after 3 kids!

Lucky for Denise and everyone else, we've got sports bra options that fit these requirements. Thank you, Denise, for your work. We arehonored to share your story.