Take care of yourself so you can take care of others! Sit. Stay. Heal.

Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online Training teaches participants how to support individuals in the immediate aftermath of disasters, terrorism, and traumatic events. The course is designed both for those new to disaster response and for experienced practitioners seeking a structured refresher on the core principles and goals of PFA.

This 6-hour interactive training places participants in the role of a responder at a post-disaster scene. Through guided activities, video demonstrations, real-world scenarios, and expert mentor tips from leading trauma specialists and survivors, learners gain practical, hands-on experience. The course provides an introduction to PFA, an in-depth review of its Core Actions, and a dedicated module on responder self-care.

PFA Online also includes a Learning Community where participants can share experiences, ask questions, and access additional resources.

Goals and Objectives:

• Understand when and how to provide Psychological First Aid in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. 
• Identify the five early intervention principles. 
• Define PFA and its primary objectives. 
• Describe the eight Core Actions of PFA. 
• Apply general guidelines for delivering PFA effectively. 
• Adapt PFA for diverse settings and populations. 
• Recognize strategies for maintaining personal well-being before, during, and after providing PFA.
   

The PFA Online Course is available through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).

A strong combination of Organizational, Individual, and Family Readiness is the cornerstone of any agency’s ability to effectively serve its community. Through the #ResponderReadiness Workshop Series, First H.E.L.P. focuses on preparing far in advance of a wellness crisis by building healthy habits, positive behaviors, and a supportive culture that keeps responders ready and resilient.

While the courses address suicide prevention and awareness of crisis resources, their primary emphasis is on resilience, readiness, and early correction of unhealthy behaviors. The flagship #ResponderReadiness Workshop, open to all First Responders at every rank, develops proactive teammates who are mentally and emotionally prepared for the mission. 

The #FamilyReadiness Workshop strengthens communication and resilience within families, recognizing that well-supported homes create stronger responders.

 The #ProviderWorkshop fosters collaboration between responders and wellness professionals, creating shared understanding and stronger support networks.

The #SupervisorReadiness Program equips leaders at all levels with the tools needed to enhance both organizational and individual readiness.

First Responders operate around the clock, often shifting from calm to chaos in seconds. Their communities rely on them to be ready for anything, at any time. 

The complete #ResponderReadiness Workshop Series provides agencies with the training, tools, and resources necessary to help responders—and their families—remain prepared, resilient, and mission ready.

Recent studies on Officer-Involved Shootings (OIS) indicate that up to 40% of these incidents involve Suicide by Cop (SbC)—situations in which the subject intentionally forces a deadly-force encounter. This percentage increases significantly when the subject is a recent military veteran. Research conducted by California State University, Fullerton, further reveals that for every completed act of SbC, there may be up to 50 prior attempts where individuals tried to provoke officers into using lethal force.

The purpose of this course is to provide focused, relevant training designed to reduce the occurrence of Suicide by Cop incidents. By concentrating on suicidal ideation and the early behavioral indicators associated with SbC, participants will:

• Develop a deeper understanding of how thorough, structured interviews can help dispatchers and call takers identify potential SbC situations and effectively relay critical information to responding officers. 
• Gain enhanced knowledge of tactical considerations and de-escalation strategies aimed at reducing violent encounters with suicidal individuals, thereby lowering the likelihood of SbC outcomes. 
• Recognize the importance of conducting a parallel investigation in confirmed SbC incidents—examining the subject’s suicidal intent and actions to reduce civil liability, support administrative adjudication, and assist involved officers in coping with the emotional impact of these tragic events. 

Learning Outcome:
Participants will leave with an improved ability to identify precursors to Suicide by Cop, apply effective de-escalation strategies to minimize violent confrontations, and, when necessary, conduct comprehensive investigations into the suicidal actions of the subject. The overarching goal is to prevent future SbC incidents while supporting the safety, professionalism, and emotional well-being of all involved.