SUICIDE RED ALERT
More first responders have died by suicide as compared to other line-of-duty related deaths. It is believed that the number of public safety personnel who take their own lives is underreported, making the actual numbers even higher. First Responders witness tragedy everyday and over time the emotional toll may lead to behavioral health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In severe cases of untreated mental health, first responders may consider suicide.
As first responders, part of our job is to take care of each other. TSPST has created RED ALERT as a pathway for departments to integrate suicide awareness into their mental health and wellness efforts. With a focus on how departments can help its individual members, Red Alert seeks to create open communications and connections to reduce the stigma that surrounds first responder suicide.
We are creating awareness and building skills in first responders over the next three months. We believe:
- Training is a protective factor for individuals, for departments and for the region.
- Training about suicide will break down stigma.
- Training about risk factors will increase recognition of what may put a preson at risk for suicide.
- Training about resources will increase understanding that treatment works and recovery is possible.
Are you ready to take a proactive approach to Suicide Awareness in your department? Contact us to learn more about what you can do to bring awareness to your department.
Red Alert PROGRAM GOALS FOR DEPARTMENTS AND THE REGION
- Raise awareness of the First Responder (FR) Suicide
- Increase knowledge about the clinical features of pre suicidal FR
- Provide both behavioral and informational advice about how to refer FR identified as being at risk to appropriate helping resources
- Encourage any suicidal FR who may be participating to disclose their preoccupation in order to obtain appropriate help
- Educate Peer Supporters about suicide and where to seek help for someone
- Refine path for in-patient treatment
Size Up The Scene
Sizing up the scene is a process of gathering information about the scene, the persons involved, and the environment to determine the best way to provide assistance and save lives. First Responders are trained to do this whenever they take a call or approach a scene.
However, when the intensity of a scene has eased first responders are often times left with emotions to process that with time and repeated exposure can lead to a mental health crisis. If someone within your department is in distress, they may not seek help or support on their own. By regularly using the principals of “size up the scene” within a department, identifying someone at risk for suicide can help you reach them and connect them to care and support.
Your Actions Can Save Lives
There are many ways a person can increase the probability that a potentially suicidal person is identified and referred for appropriate care before an adverse event occurs. We know that the person most likely to prevent someone else from taking their own life is someone close to them and they already know. The greater the percentage of first responders who are trained to successfully recognize and refer suicidal co-workeres and friends, the fewer suicide-related adverse events should occur.
What You Can Do to Participate in Red Alert
- Start a conversation about mental health. You don't need training to start an authentic conversation about mental health.
- Host a ONE HOUR Suicide Awareness Training at your department, at your union meeting, at a family night. TSPST will supply trainers and all materials. You supply the location and staff.
- Be a leader within your department by reducing the stigma through educating yourself and your team members about suicide awareness.