Emergency services work leaves an impact, whether in the field or behind the headset. Peer support offers understanding, connection, and a reminder that no one has to carry the weight alone. These resources are shared in hopes they offer support when it matters most.
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Starting a team:
APCO Peer Support Program Manual: apco-peersupportprogramimplementationmanual.pdf NENA Peer Support Manual: nena_peer_support_implementation_document.pdf Policy Examples: California Peer Support Association's Sample Policies: california_peer_support_sample_peer_support_policies.pdf International Association of Police Chiefs Policy Suggestions: iacp_peersupportguidelines.pdf Orange County Sheriff's Office: orange_county_peer_support_and_assistance_program.pdf Springfield Police Department: springfield_police_policy_peer_support_public_release_02_12_2024.pdf Created by Help for the Headset: help_for_the_headset_peer_support_conversation_starters.pdf help_for_the_headset_peer_support_vs_cism.pdf help_for_the_headset_psychological_first_aid.pdf help_for_the_headset_what_peer_support_in_a_911_setting_is.pdf help_for_the_headset_peer_support_engagement_ideas.pdf help_for_the_headset_county_and_regional_peer_support_tool_kit.pdf - Articles: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8582745/ - Research that proves the importance of previous connection and relationships for peer support teams to be effective esf.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Donovan-2022-1.pdf - A literature review shows formal and informal peer support contributes to post-traumatic growth (PTG) by aiding trauma processing, stress management, and fostering relational safety among first responders casatondemand.org/2023/01/04/the-value-of-peer-support-for-first-responders/ This overview article synthesizes findings that peer support lowers stigma, builds care culture, increases social support, and encourages positive coping strategies firstresponsemh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/fallon-et-al-2023-peer-support-programs-to-reduce-organizational-stress-and-trauma-for-public-safety-workers-a-scoping-8.pdf - A scoping review found peer support helps normalize experiences, increase hope, decrease stigma, and bridge gaps in mental health services for public safety workers. fasny.com/magazine_articles/out-of-the-darkness-first-responder-mental-health/ This article highlights the mental health challenges first responders face, including high rates of PTSD, stress, and suicidal thoughts, and underscores the importance of proactive support. It emphasizes that peer support programs—rooted in shared experience and trained listening—help reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and provide meaningful early intervention for those in crisis. siento.io/blog/breaking-the-silence-empowering-first-responders-through-peer-support-initiatives - This article highlights how peer support empowers first responders by reducing stigma, strengthening connection, and providing trusted, experience-based support in high-stress professions. Peer-led initiatives create safe spaces for conversation, improve resilience, and encourage early help-seeking before stress and trauma escalate. peer-support-teams-fill-an-emotional-void_-_copy.pdf |
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