New Self-Assessment for Head Impact Trauma (HIT) and Blast Overpressure (BOP) Injuries
Date:Friday September 5, 2025
We are proud to share an important new wellness resource created by Stephanie Samuels, MA, MSW, LCSW, Founder/Director of CopLine® and The Counseling and Critical Incident Debriefing Center, LLC, with support from Lighthouse Health & Wellness.
This self-assessment tool was developed to help First Responders recognize symptoms that may be related to head impact trauma (HIT) and blast overpressure (BOP) injuries. These types of injuries are often overlooked in public safety, yet research increasingly links them to lasting mental health concerns and even elevated suicide risk among First Responders.
The tool is simple, accessible, and designed to spark meaningful reflection. It can be:
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Taken to a medical provider or clinician for professional guidance
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Used to begin conversations about brain health and overall wellness
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Printed and shared immediately once completed
As Stephanie Samuels notes:
“This is more than a form. It is a potential lifeline… you are never alone—there is always help, and there is always hope.”
You can find the self-assessment in several convenient locations:
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Directly online: Complete the HIT & BOP Self-Assessment
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In your agency’s custom Lighthouse Health & Wellness App
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Go to Menu > Self Assessments
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Through the Lighthouse Health & Wellness App (download from the Apple App Store or Google Play)
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Go to Menu > Self Assessments
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This resource is not a standardized psychological test and does not replace professional evaluation. Its purpose is to increase awareness, foster personal insight, and encourage First Responders to seek further support from healthcare professionals.
First Responders give their all to protect our communities. By sharing resources like this self-assessment, we honor that service and continue our mission to support the health and wellness of those who serve.