Why Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid for Fire/EMS teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This 8-hour training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. It focuses on the unique experiences and needs of firefighters and EMS personnel and is a valuable resource that can make a difference in their lives, their coworkers' and families' lives, and the communities they serve.

WHO SHOULD TAKE IT

o Firefighters o EMS personnel o Other first responders o Family members of first responders

WHAT IT COVERS

A discussion of first responder culture, stigma and their relevance to the topic of mental health. o Outreach tactics to respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. o A discussion of the specific risk factors faced by many first responders and their families. o A review of common mental health resources for first responders, their families and those who support them