Basic Peer Support for First Responders Certification Training- A 3-day course

This comprehensive course delves into the fundamental aspects of first responder psychology, equipping participants with essential knowledge and skills to foster a supportive environment within their teams. The curriculum encompasses an exploration of first responder wellness, stress reactions, critical incident responses, and proactive strategies for building resiliency. Participants will also learn the strategic planning process and gain insights into identifying and addressing suicidal ideation. Through a combination of theory and practical training, this course aims to empower individuals to contribute positively to the well-being of their peers. This hands-on course equips you with the knowledge and skills to: Understand first responder mental health needs. Recognize and support colleagues in stress and crisis. Build team resilience and prevent burnout. Identify and address suicidal ideation effectively.

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When the Smoke Clears (Introduction to First Responder Wellness and Emotional Survival) with Lt. Jeremy Sprague- 2 – 4 hours.
Drawing from more than 20 years of firsthand experience in facing officer-involved shootings, Line of Duty Deaths (LODDs), police suicides, and various traumas, the presenter shares deeply personal life experiences. This course delves into the challenges inherent in a lifelong career as a first responder, offering participants valuable insights on surviving the unique stressors that impact both professional and personal aspects of their lives.
Explore topics such as hypervigilance, critical incident survival, and overall wellness, with a focus on the three R's: resistance, resiliency, and recovery. The course provides a comprehensive discussion on stress, delving into common psychological reactions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants will gain a profound understanding of the essential building blocks for becoming a resilient and effective law enforcement officer, equipped to navigate the complexities of their career with resilience and strength.
 
Suicide Awareness and Prevention - 4 hours
Uncover the often-overlooked issue of suicide among first responders in this 4-hour course. Explore the various types of stress affecting first responders and the consequent impacts on their well-being. Examine both normal and abnormal reactions to stress and delve into effective wellness strategies designed to combat stress in the first responder community. The course delves into sobering suicide statistics specific to first responders, shedding light on suicidal ideation and its potential warning signs. Gain a nuanced understanding of the levels of suicidal ideation and associated risks and explore strategies for intervening when a coworker exhibits suicidal thoughts. Additionally, the course highlights a range of resources available to support first responders grappling with suicidal ideation.
 
Navigating Officer-Involved Shootings: A 4-Hour Session with Lt. Jeremy Sprague
The presenter will share personal life experiences of multiple officer-involved shootings, LODD's, police suicides, and other traumas that impacted his over 20-year career as a first responder. Delve into the impact of Officer-Involved Shootings (OIS) on law enforcement personnel, their families, and the agency in this comprehensive 4-hour course led by Lt. Jeremy Sprague. Explore the logistical responses by peer support personnel, emphasizing best practices to assist those affected by OIS. Address legal considerations related to OIS and gain insights on safely navigating support for individuals involved in these challenging situations.
 
Critical Incident Desensitization Protocols (CIDP) with Sheila Russell, LISW – 2-4 Hours
Learn about Critical Incident Desensitization Protocols, a form of "psychological first aid" designed to alleviate distress and symptoms following crises, natural disasters, or critical incidents. Led by Sheila Russell, LISW, this session explores two distinct protocols: Critical Incident Desensitization (CID) and Acute Traumatic Incident Processing (ATIP). These protocols employ short bursts of eye movements or bilateral stimulation (BLS) to reduce the impact of traumatic events.
 
Motivational Interviewing with Sheila Russell, LISW – 2-4 Hours
Join Sheila Russell, LISW, in discovering Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based peer support strategy. This brief intervention helps individuals recognize the consequences of problematic behaviors in a non-argumentative and empathetic manner. This 2-4 hour session covers the fundamental principles of motivational interviewing, emphasizing engagement, focus, evoking "change talk," and collaborative planning to elicit intrinsic motivation for behavioral change.
 
Handling First Responder Relationship and Family Issues with Sheila Russell, LISW – 2-4 Hours
Delve into the unique challenges faced by First Responders with Sheila Russell. This 2-4 hour training addresses the mental health impact, family conflict, and other issues that can arise due to the extreme stress and trauma encountered in their line of work. Explore techniques to enhance the well-being, functionality, and relationships of First Responders, acknowledging the ripple effect on their partners and children.
 
BRAIN HEALTH: Supporting First Responder Wellness Throughout and After Your Career with Sheila Russell, LISW – 2 Hours
Navigate the distinctive risks of working in Public Safety with Sheila Russell. This 2-hour course explores neuroscience-rooted physical and mental health techniques, offering proactive strategies to promote and sustain a healthy career. Gain insights into maintaining well-being throughout and beyond your career in Public Safety.
 
Emotional Awareness Guidance for Law Enforcement (E.A.G.L.E.) with Sgt. Sean O'Neill – 2-8 Hours
Join Sean O'Neill in the exploration of Emotional Awareness Guidance for Law Enforcement (E.A.G.L.E.). This session, lasting 2-8 hours, provides techniques for generating voluntary compliance in peer support roles or encounters on the street. Emphasis is placed on stress reduction through EAGLE techniques, fostering positive contacts with individuals encountered during duty, at home, and among peers.
 
Is Your Department Prepared? Handling LODD, Suicide, and Other Active Duty Deaths with Lt. Jeremy Sprague – 2 Hours
Acknowledging the profound impact of Line of Duty Deaths, Suicides, and other Active Duty Deaths on agencies and employees, this course explores the impact of these deaths on employees, families, and agencies.  Led by Jeremy Sprague, this 2-hour course equips peer support team members with logistical and emotional strategies to effectively handle these challenging situations and provide support during times of loss and grief.

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ICISF Courses

Assisting Individuals in Crisis - 2 Days with Lt. Jeremy Sprague (Approved ICISF Instructor)

Crisis Intervention is NOT psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis intervention is sometimes called “emotional first aid”. This program is designed to teach participants the fundamentals of, and a specific protocol for, individual crisis intervention. This course is designed for anyone who desires to increase their knowledge of individual (one-on-one) crisis intervention techniques in the fields of Business & Industry, Crisis Intervention, Disaster Response, Education, Emergency Services, Employee Assistance, Healthcare, Homeland Security, Mental Health, Military, Spiritual Care, and Traumatic Stress.

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Group Crisis Intervention - 2 Days with Lt. Jeremy Sprague (Approved ICISF Instructor)

Designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum, the Group Crisis Intervention course will prepare participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services. Fundamentals of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) will be outlined and participants will leave with the knowledge and tools to provide several group crisis interventions, specifically demobilizations, defusings and the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The need for appropriate follow-up services and referrals when necessary will also be discussed.

This course is designed for anyone in the fields of Business & Industry Crisis Intervention, Disaster Response, Education, Emergency Services, Employee Assistance, Healthcare, Homeland Security, Mental Health, Military, Spiritual Care, and Traumatic Stress.

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GRIN (Combined Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention) - 3 Days with Lt. Jeremy Sprague (Approved ICISF Instructor)

This 3-day course combines ALL of the content of ICISF’s Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention courses.

Crisis Intervention is NOT psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis intervention is sometimes called “emotional first aid”. Designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum, this course will prepare participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services for both the individual and for groups. Fundamentals of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) will be outlined and participants will leave with the knowledge and tools to provide several group crisis interventions, specifically demobilizations, defusings and the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The need for appropriate follow-up services and referrals when necessary will also be discussed.

This course is designed for anyone in the fields of Business & Industry Crisis Intervention, Disaster Response, Education, Emergency Services, Employee Assistance, Healthcare, Homeland Security, Mental Health, Military, Spiritual Care, and Traumatic Stress.

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Custom Courses

We can customize courses to meet your training needs.

Contact us for your individual training needs.

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Outside of Iowa?

The Peer Support Foundation provides training within the State of Iowa.  If you are outside of Iowa and seeking training, please click the button below.  You will be taken to the Frontline Results Group website.  Frontline offers the same excellent training programs and nationally recognized instructors outside of Iowa.