In recent years, it has been widely recognized that many stresses can affect emergency service personnel. Today peer support teams in law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, and other organizations are used for a variety of situations and critical incidents both on-duty and off
(California Peer Support Association, 2008).
The peer support skills taught in this course constitute psychological first aid. The class is designed for peer support personnel without formal training in mental health, as well as mental health professionals wishing
to increase their knowledge of individual crisis intervention techniques.
For more information please contact
Sue Brandy or
Diane Myers.
The two-day agenda will cover:
• The need for peer support in emergency services
• What is Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
• Research on effectiveness of peer support and crisis intervention
• Recognizing signs and symptoms of distress
• Peer support communication techniques
• Things to avoid in helping others
• Skill practice in peer intervention
• SAFER protocol for supporting individuals in distress
• Suicide: a special case
• Challenges and problems in working with individuals in crisis
Topics and exercises will be tailored to the needs of the local community of responders. Class includes lecture, discussion, DVD, and skill practice.
