First Responders

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Information For First Responders in Mental Health or Addictions Crises

By Forward House Community Society 
Download Free Manual for First Responders

This document is intended for use by first responders to a mental health crisis, who may include the following:

I Emergency Services  RCMP  Ambulance  Fire
II School Faculty
III Religious Leaders
IV Workplace Administration
V Private Individuals

By Forward House Community Society 
Download Free Manual for First Responders

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A Guide for Early Responders Supporting Survivors Bereaved by Suicide

By Winnipeg Suicide Prevention Network
Download Free Guide For Early Responders (will download to ‘Downloads’ folder on your computer)

“There are always two parties to death; the person who dies and the survivors who are bereaved. Unfortunately, many survivors of suicide suffer alone and in silence” (Wolfelt, 2007)

• Death by Suicide:  How Is It Different?
• Sudden Loss: What Survivors Feel
• Stigma of Suicide: What’s In A Word?
• Understandable Emotions: Offering Support
• What To Say: Helpful Ways To Communicate
• Assessing for Risk of Suicide: Is The Survivor at risk of Suicide
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Compassion Fatigue:  What About You

Early responders play a vital role in supporting people who have lost someone they care about, someone they know who has died by suicide.

Suicide loss is profoundly different than other loss and grief in that it is a intentional act that can have crippling effects for the family, friends and other survivors.

Suicide is recognized as an important public health problem and a major source of preventable deaths worldwide. One of the most responsible and compassionate actions is to encourage the survivor to reach out for help. It is
important that all family members be provided with adequate care and support.  Many people die each year by suicide… it is a complex, multi—faceted problem leaving some survivors who have a loved one die by suicide with their life as they knew it changed forever  Suicide can affect survivors in many life areas including having biological, psychological, social and spiritual impact.

The Purpose of this Guide:

This resource is intended primarily for Early Responders such as: Police, Ambulance, Firefighters, Emergency Personnel, Health Care Providers, Spiritual Care Providers, Medical Investigators, and Funeral Directors who all have close and often immediate contact with survivors bereaved by a suicide loss  However, other service providers may also find this information helpful in the work they do.

This guide offers information about suicide loss and will likely validate and enhance the many helpful things you already do  The guide may also offer new insights and guidance on suicide alertness highlighting prevention and intervention resources available, since we know that survivors may be at greater risk of suicide as well.

In supporting survivors bereaved by suicide we acknowledge your vital and influential role. We hope that working together we can lessen the impact of this trauma, reduce stigma and support survivors in their process of healing and recovery.

Developed by the Winnipeg Suicide Prevention Network in partnership with the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP). This guide was adapted from “Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss, A Guide for Funeral Directors” used as per Public Domain Usage Notice SAMHSA Centre of Mental Health

Download Free Guide For Early Responders
By Winnipeg Suicide Prevention Network

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A Resource For Police, Firefighters  And Other First Line Responders

By World Health Organization
Download Free Preventing Suicide : A Resource For Police, Firefighters  And Other First Line Responders

A Resource For Police, Firefighters  And Other First Line Responders

Suicide is recognized as an important public health problem and a major source of preventable deaths worldwide.
For every person who commits suicide, there are 20 or more who will attempt suicide. The emotional impact for family and friends affected by completed or attempted suicide may last for many years.

First interveners, such as police officers, firefighters and other responders are often a first line resource for people who have significant mental health, emotional, or substance abuse problems and who may be suicidal. Yet, they are often not well trained in the signs and symptoms of serious mental illness, nor do they always know the most appropriate actions to take when suicidal behaviours are a concern.

Police officers, firefighters and other first line responders are increasingly called upon in situations involving mental health emergencies, such as suicidal crises. Consequently, they occupy an important role in community-based suicide prevention: by ensuring that persons with mental disorders receive appropriate mental health treatment, by removing access to lethal means from people at high risk of suicide, and by recognizing the suicide potential in situations involving domestic disputes or where potentially deadly force is exercised. First responders are in a unique position to determine the course and outcome of suicidal crises.

Download Free Preventing Suicide : A Resource For Police, Firefighters  And Other First Line Responders
By World Health Organization