First Responders

First Responders

As a first responder, you are in a position to be first on the scene of a death by suicide. How you handle this type of situation can make a big difference for the survivors-the friends and family members who have lost a loved one. Additionally, those who have a lost a loved one to suicide are at greater risk for suicide themselves, so it is important that first responders are aware of the warning signs so  they can help identify those at risk and connected to appropriate help.

First responders have a high degree of exposure to suicidal behaviors through their work both when suicidal persons are exhibiting warning signs, as well as after a suicide attempt or death. Given this high-stress line of work, first responders may be at higher risk themselves of experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Self-care activities and being able to identify and assist a colleague in distress are important in maintaining emotional health for first responders.

The Role of First Responders in Preventing Suicide
An overview and guide for first responders for helping those who have attempted suicide, responding to suicide survivors, and helping yourself and your fellow first responders, with references and resources. From Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)

The Role of Law Enforcement Personnel in Preventing Suicide
This brief guide provides information for law enforcement personnel on recognizing and responding to warning signs, and resource materials about suicide prevention and the role of law enforcement personnel in preventing suicides. From Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)

The QPR Institute has developed a number of training programs designed specifically for First Responders and Law Enforcement Personnel. QPR for EMS/Firefighters and QPR for Law Enforcement are available online or there are QPR trainers in South Dakota that may be able to provide this training for your group. For some learners a shorter, online or in person training (approximately two hours) may be what is needed. The  certificate earned in the shorter version of the course is the QPR Gatekeeper for Suicide Prevention Certificate. To earn the QPR for EMS/Firefighter Certificate in Suicide Prevention, more work is required. The learner must complete 6-8 hours of online training in this same course. Completing and passing the quizzes in these additional modules qualify the learner to print the QPR for EMS/Firefighter in Suicide Prevention Certificate. This 6-8 hour training is similar to QPR Triage, which can be provided onsite through suicide prevention trainers in South Dakota.

Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is a training program designed to assist police officers in responding safer and more compassionately in their interactions with people with mental illness. CIT is most effective when law enforcement, the mental health system and consumer and family advocates all work together to assist in getting appropriate treatment for the person in need.

Psychological First Aid for First Responders gives tips to emergency response workers and disaster response workers to help disaster survivors cope with the psychological aspects of a traumatic event. It offers strategies for managing intense emotions and promoting a safe, calm environment.

Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety is an eight-hour course specially designed for police officers, first responders, corrections officers and other public safety professionals, helping them better understand mental illnesses and addictions and providing them with effective response options to deescalate incidents without compromising safety.