Mental Health First Aid for Fire/EMS; National Certification Course (8 Hour)

Presented by: Mental Health First Aid Maryland

Location: Room 203

MHFA is the leading organization for Mental Health First Aid in Maryland, bringing vital training and technical assistance to partners all over the state. By taking Mental Health First Aid, you join a nationwide movement. The Mental Health Association of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Behavioral Health have been part of Mental Health First Aid USA since the program’s inception. MHFA Maryland partnered with the National Council for Behavioral Health and the Missouri Department of Health to found this national certification program. Now, over 80,000 Mental Health First Aiders and over 800 Mental Health First Aid Instructors have been trained across the state of Maryland. Join the movement and be a force for positive change in your community today!

For any questions regarding your training session, please reach out to Indu Radhakrishnan at iradhakrishnan@mhamd.org

Class Description: 

Mental Health First Aid® is a public education national certification course. Participants learn to recognize and respond to the signs and symptoms of an emerging mental health problem or crisis, to identify community resources, and to link individuals in need of support to appropriate care. This skills-based course includes a 5¬-step action plan which can be used in various types of crisis and non-crisis situations.

MHFA for Fire/EMS focuses on the unique experiences and needs of firefighters and EMS personnel. Participants learn about the importance of early intervention and how, as first responders, they can intervene in the field and provide direct assistance to someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.

The 5 Step Action Plan, ALGEE, includes:

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm
• Listen non-judgmentally
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

*Participants who successfully complete the training will receive a nationally recognized certification that will be valid for 3 years.”