Mental Health First Aid for EMS and Fire

 Mental Health First Aid for EMS and Fire

Mental Health First Aid USA is an 8-hour course that teaches a five-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer and self-help care. Participants learn the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention and, most importantly, teaches individuals how to help someone in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.

Course Agenda

Session 1 (4 Hours)

•       What is Mental Health First Aid? Why Mental Health First Aid for Fire and EMS?

•       Mental Health Problems in the United States

•       Why Discuss Staff Wellness?

•       Understanding Depression and Anxiety

•       Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) for Depression

•       Suicidal Behavior

* Depressive Symptoms

* Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

•       Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) for Anxiety

* Panic Attacks

* Anxiety Symptoms

* Cumulative Stress

· Post-traumatic Stress

 

Session 2 (4 Hours)

•       Understanding Substance Use Disorders

•       Mental Health First Aid Action Plan

* Overdose

* Withdrawal

•       Understanding Disorders in which Psychosis May Occur

•       Mental Health First Aid Action Plan

* Acute Psychosis

* Aggressive Behavior

* Psychotic Symptoms

•       Using Your Training—Scenario Work and Resources

•       Fire/EMS Staff Wellness

•       Wrap-up

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM The course is taught to police, first responders, corrections officers and other public safety audiences around the country. Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety provides officers with more response options to help them de-escalate incidents and better understand mental illnesses so they can respond to mental health related calls appropriately without compromising safety. More than 80,000 public safety professionals have taken the course, including at police academies in Philadelphia, DC, Seattle and numerous smaller and rural departments.

WHO CAN BE A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER?

® Law enforcement

® Corrections officers

® Other first responders

® 911 Dispatch Staff

® Human resources professionals

® Business leaders

® Nurses and other primary care workers

® School and college workers

® Faith community leaders

® Caring citizens