EDITORIAL STANDARDS & FACT-CHECKING POLICY

Last Updated: November 2025

At RiseWell (owned and operated by Ted Adams), we are committed to providing accurate, trustworthy, compassionate, and relevant content for First Responders, Fire/EMS, Law Enforcement, Dispatchers, and their families. Our editorial standards reflect our dedication to professionalism, trauma-informed writing, and evidence-supported guidance.

These standards ensure that every article, resource, and communication aligns with RiseWell’s mission: supporting resilience, mental wellness, and positive culture in public safety.

1. Our Editorial Mission

RiseWell exists to:

  • Support the mental wellness of First Responders and their families

  • Reduce stigma and isolation

  • Provide supportive, grounded guidance

  • Share insights rooted in lived experience

  • Offer peer-support-oriented perspective

  • Promote resilience and healthy culture in public safety

  • Provide educational, accurate, and responsible content

Our goal is not to sensationalize or dramatize public safety work — but to provide meaningful, human, and supportive information in a trauma-informed way.

2. Content Principles

Every piece of content on RiseWell follows these principles:

  • Accuracy: Information must be correct, current, and verifiable.

  • Clarity: Content should be easy to understand and free of unnecessary jargon.

  • Respect: We speak to our audience as peers — not at them.

  • Authenticity: We avoid vague “wellness speak” or generic advice.

  • Trauma-Informed Approach: We avoid graphic descriptions, triggers, and harmful detail.

  • Confidentiality: We do not publish real call details, identifying information, or sensitive operational content.

  • Compassion: Tone must be supportive, non-judgmental, and grounded in shared experience.

  • Integrity: Content must honor the weight of public safety work.

If content does not meet these standards, it is not published.

3. Credible Sources & Evidence-Based Information

RiseWell references reliable, authoritative, and verifiable sources, including:

  • APCO International

  • NENA (National Emergency Number Association)

  • IAED (International Academies of Emergency Dispatch)

  • NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)

  • FEMA

  • Mental health organizations (e.g., NAMI, APA, ADAA)

  • Peer-reviewed studies in psychology, mental health, trauma, and resilience

  • Government and academic research

  • Reputable public safety resources

  • Books and evidence-supported frameworks in wellness and resilience

When referencing practices, standards, or research, we rely on recognized authorities, not personal speculation.

4. Avoidance of Hypothetical Scenarios

RiseWell does not use hypothetical stories that mimic real emergencies or incidents.

This avoids:

  • Confusion

  • Misinformation

  • Trauma triggers

  • Inaccurate representations of field operations

  • Unintentional resemblance to real calls

Instead, we reference:

  • General themes

  • Patterns

  • Lessons learned

  • Principles supported by research and experience

5. Review & Fact-Checking Process

Before publication, each article undergoes review to verify:

  • Accuracy of factual information

  • Correct interpretation of research

  • Alignment with RiseWell’s trauma-informed standards

  • Clarity and readability

  • Absence of graphic details or triggering content

  • Proper attribution to credible sources

  • Correct capitalization of professional titles (First Responders, Fire/EMS, Law Enforcement, Dispatchers)

  • Compliance with our legal disclaimers

If necessary, content is reviewed and updated to reflect newer data or evolving best practices.

6. Medical, Clinical & Crisis Limitations

RiseWell does not:

  • Provide therapy

  • Offer clinical treatment

  • Give medical or diagnostic advice

  • Provide crisis response

  • Serve as a substitute for mental health professionals

Any health-related information is general and should not replace professional care.

Users experiencing distress or crisis are encouraged to seek immediate help via 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

7. Use of Lived Experience

RiseWell incorporates lived experience from public safety backgrounds to add authenticity and human connection.

We use lived experience to:

  • Frame themes

  • Validate shared challenges

  • Provide relatable insight

  • Reduce stigma

We do not use lived experience to:

  • Describe graphic call details

  • Breach confidentiality

  • Provide operational instructions

  • Replace professional advice

Lived experience must support — not substitute — evidence-based guidance.

8. Updates & Corrections

If we discover information that is incomplete, out of date, or inaccurate, we will:

  • Update the article

  • Add clarifying notes if necessary

  • Correct errors promptly

We welcome user feedback and correction requests at info@joinrisewell.com.

9. AI Transparency

Some content on RiseWell may be drafted or refined using AI tools.
However:

  • All AI-generated material is edited, fact-checked, and approved by a human (Ted Adams or designated reviewer).

  • AI tools are used to support drafting and organization — not as authoritative sources.

  • Content integrity standards apply regardless of drafting method.

Human review remains the final step before publishing.

10. Respect for the Public Safety Community

RiseWell honors the service, sacrifices, and humanity of:

  • First Responders

  • Fire/EMS

  • Law Enforcement

  • Dispatchers

  • Emergency communicators

  • Supporting personnel

  • Families and loved ones

Our Editorial Standards reflect dignity, respect, and the understanding that public safety work is deeply personal, demanding, and often unseen.

11. Contact for Questions About Editorial Practices

For requests, corrections, feedback, or questions about our editorial process, contact:

Email: info@joinrisewell.com
Subject Line: Editorial Standards Inquiry

We welcome input that strengthens accuracy, clarity, and community safety.