Course Offerings

This peer support training introduces the practice and techniques of psychological first aid, as provided to firefighters by firefighters. It includes a first round of psychological education on responding to firefighters' behavioral health needs. The training supports the National Fallen Firefighters' Foundation's Everyone Goes Home project, as well as the 13th Life Safety Initiative: Firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support services. The training requires 16 hours and is delivered over two eight-hour days.

Course Objectives

Create a safe environment at the firehouse to support appropriate conversations when a firefighter


Understand what it means to ask for and receive help

Become familiar with utilizing the peer support structure

Have a basic understanding of neuro anatomy and psychological principles that are present in us as human beings and as firefighters

Engage in initial peer support discussions and feel the importance of telling their story in a safe environment

Understand the ideas and theories behind make it safe

Provide peer support to other members in the class through experiential exercises

Deal with a potential high risk conversation

Develop basic understanding of listening skills

Share the power of a conversation including the vulnerabilities we all possess

Outline of Instruction

The history, mission, vision, and program details of Emergency Responder Peer Support

The boundaries of operation, practice guidelines, and program evaluation/measures of an Emergency Responder Peer Support Team member

The resources, referrals, and professional assistance required for an Emergency Responder Peer Support Team member

The continuing education requirements, supervision, and annual participation required for a FF Peer Support Team member

The emergency responder behavioral health as an occupational issues requiring Peer Support intervention

Trauma criteria and understanding

Emergency responder suicide awareness and psycho-education (i.e. prevention and response)

The use of Self-help/Wellness Planning and Emotional Intelligence evaluation instruments

Creating perspective, managing feelings, and using alternative, productive behaviors as tools of intervention

Building rapport and a peer support relationship

Case examples and practice communicating emergency responder peer support to the agency leadership

Contact Hours

16

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

None

Learning Supplies Needed

This training is provided via PowerPoint presentation, lecture, student activity/engagement. Some handouts are provided with an electronic training manual. Students may need to bring their own laptops. Consider: need for microphone; handheld clicker or not; visibility from seats to screen. Copies of the PowerPoint are not provided. However, an electronic copy is provided and you may create your own handouts

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

Classroom with a projector and screen is required. Space available for 30 to 50 students and 2 to -4 instructors is required.

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Firefighters, EMT, Law Enforcement, Emergency Dispatchers

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

FF

EMT

Law Enforcement

Emergency Dispatcher

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Steven Fowler
919-866-6124
[email protected]