Mental Health First Aid for Fire and EMS Personnel
Firefighters and EMS personnel are regularly exposed to traumatic events and life-threatening situations that can affect their mental health. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Fire/EMS is an evidence-based training program specifically designed to address the mental health needs of the Fire/EMS community. This course teaches participants how to recognize signs of mental health issues, provide initial support, and guide individuals towards appropriate professional help and self-care strategies. The 7.5-hour Adult Mental Health First Aid Course focuses on recognizing the patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and appearance that show there might be a mental health challenge. Learners are taught an Action Plan that they apply to non-crisis and crisis situations. By the end of this course, attendees will be certified in Mental Health First Aid. This course does require around 15 minutes of pre- and post-work, so please look out for an email from Rita with instructions on how to access the online components. 
 

BY THE END OF THE COURSE, LEARNERS WILL:

• Describe the purpose of Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Mental Health First Aider.
• Identify the impact of mental health and substance use challenges on the wellbeing of individuals living in the United States.
• Explain that recovery from a mental health or substance use challenge is possible.
• Describe the principles of safety and privacy for both the Mental Health First Aider and the person receiving first aid.
• Explain the 5 steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact adults.
• Evaluate the impact of early intervention on mental health and substance use challenges.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) to a non-crisis scenario where a person shows early signs of a mental health or substance use challenge.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) to a non-crisis scenario where a person shows worsening signs of a mental health or substance use challenge.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) to a crisis scenario where a person shows signs of a mental health or substance use crisis.
• Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Mental Health First Aid in a crisis or non-crisis situation.