Basic Training for First Responder Peer Supporters

This 5-day course will provide an in-depth look at the need, creation, purpose, and application of peer support programs for first responders. Attendees will gain knowledge of behavioral health concerns faced by first responders and of the impacts of stress, trauma, and critical incidents. Attendees will learn about suicide prevention, assessment, and intervention as well as ways to manage burn out and compassion fatigue to maintain employee wellness. A core component of the course is learning the skills and interventions used by peer supporters and practicing these skills throughout the week.

Objectives

• Describe the purpose, key components, and structure of peer support teams
• Identify their peer support team’s purpose, mission, values, and vision
• Apply basic peer support skills in interactions with peers in need
• Identify behavioral health concerns commonly experienced by first responders
• Demonstrate application of basic peer support intervention techniques
• Describe the impacts of stress, trauma, and critical incidents on first responders
• Apply critical incident intervention techniques for peers
• Assess suicide risk in peers and apply suicide intervention techniques
• Describe important ethical and legal issues related to peer support work
• Identify a peer’s need for a higher level of care and how to utilize referral networks
• Discuss the issues of burnout and compassion fatigue and ways to combat each
• List the 8 dimensions of wellness and ways to maintain wellness in team members
• Evaluate whether their peer support program is effective and plan for ways to keep team members engaged and energized