Supporting Our Heroes: Addressing Suicide Awareness Among First Responders

September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a topic that affects countless lives across the globe. While suicide affects people from all walks of life, today, I want to focus on a group of heroes who often grapple with this silent struggle in the shadows, our first responders. These brave men and women dedicate their lives to protecting and serving us, yet the burdens of their professions can sometimes lead them down a dark path in which they will find themselves in crisis.

The Silent Struggle: Suicide Among First Responders

First responders are exposed to traumatic incidents on a daily basis, and the toll it takes on their mental health is substantial. The stress, anxiety, and trauma they experience can lead to severe emotional and psychological consequences, sometimes the burden becomes overwhelming.

1. Law Enforcement:

   • According to the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance database, police officers are at a 54% higher risk of suicide compared to the general population.

   • Data from multiple studies show that police officers are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

   • Factors such as witnessing violence, dealing with crime scenes, and job-related stress contribute to their vulnerability.

2. Firefighters:

   • The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that firefighters are also at an increased risk of suicide.

   • A report by the Ruderman Family Foundation indicates that firefighters are also more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

   • The emotional toll of battling fires, rescuing people in distress, and dealing with those that can not be saved can lead to depression and PTSD.

3. 911 Dispatchers:

   • Dispatchers are often the first point of contact during emergencies, and their work can be incredibly stressful.

   • A study published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) reveals that dispatchers experience symptoms of PTSD at a rate higher than that of the general population.

   • They often bear the burden of listening to distressing calls and are less likely to receive mental health support.

Supporting Our Heroes

Now that we are aware of the challenges first responders face, it's essential that we take action to support them during their times of need:

1. Promote Mental Health Awareness: Encourage open discussions about mental health within first responder communities. Normalizing this issue and helping to break down the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues.

2. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources: Ensure that police officers, firefighters, and dispatchers have easy access to mental health services, including counseling and therapy.

3. Peer Support Programs: Implement peer support programs where experienced first responders can offer guidance and lend a listening ear to their colleagues.

4. Training and Education: Equip first responders with the tools to manage stress, recognize signs of mental health issues, and provide early intervention.

5. Work-Life Balance: Advocate for better work-life balance and reduce excessive overtime, which can contribute to burnout and mental health issues.

6. Community Involvement: Community events allow first responders to interact with community members in a purely positive situation. Simple acts of kindness and gratitude can go a long way in boosting their morale and giving perspective and balance to the job.

In conclusion, while September is Suicide Awareness Month, addressing the issue of suicide among police officers, firefighters, and 911 dispatchers should be a year-round commitment. These brave individuals are always there for us, and it's our duty to be there for them when they need it most. By raising awareness, providing support, and fostering a culture of mental well-being, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who dedicate themselves to our safety. Let us honor their service by ensuring their mental health is a priority.

Does De-escalation Training Work?

In today's climate of heightened scrutiny over law enforcement interactions, the significance of crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies cannot be understated. In fact, no one is safe from ridicule. Social media videos are uploaded daily of average everyday citizens struggling to communicate with someone who is struggling to regulate their emotions. The comment sections of these videos are littered with internet experts of how the person should have handled the situation. As if the person who unfortunately found themselves on cell phone camera had prepared themselves to be in such a situation.

A pressing question often arises: "Does de-escalation training actually work?" In this briefing, we delve into this inquiry, examining the effectiveness of de-escalation training and its role in shaping modern policing.

Understanding De-Escalation Training:

De-escalation training transcends mere buzzwords, encompassing a holistic approach that equips people with the necessary skills, tools, and mindset to navigate high-stress scenarios and defuse potentially volatile situations. Rooted in communication, active listening, empathy, and adaptable assessment, de-escalation training empowers officers to respond effectively in real-time circumstances. Although often referred to as verbal de-escalation, true de-escalation efforts are anything but. Effective de-escalation efforts control the environment, people present, their own body language in addition to all of the verbal techniques in an effort to arrive at a positive outcome.

Substantiating Efficacy:

Numerous empirical studies and real-world instances substantiate the potential transformative impact of de-escalation training on modern policing:

Reduction in Use of Force: Insights from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) study highlight that agencies implementing de-escalation training observe a marked decrease in use of force incidents. Officers adept in de-escalation techniques prioritize verbal communication and non-lethal tactics, diminishing instances of physical confrontation (*PERF, "30 Guiding Principles on Use of Force").

Augmented Officer Safety: The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) study demonstrates that de-escalation-trained officers exhibit heightened situational awareness and decision-making acumen. This leads to reduced risks for both officers and civilians in high-stress scenarios (*NIJ, "De-Escalation Techniques").

Mitigation of Tragic Outcomes: The Police Executive Research Forum analysis underscores the pivotal role of effective de-escalation training in averting tragic outcomes during confrontations that might have otherwise escalated lethally. De-escalation-trained officers deftly navigate tense situations without resorting to lethal force (*PERF, "Use of Force: Taking Policing to a Higher Standard").

Cultural Shift Towards Safety: The CNA Corporation report emphasizes that de-escalation training is an essential facet of the broader cultural transformation within law enforcement. By fostering communication, empathy, and crisis intervention, investing in these programs leads to lasting enhancements in community policing (*CNA Corporation, "Implementing a Culture of De-Escalation in Policing").

Not Without Challenges:

While the affirmative impact of de-escalation training is evident, challenges persist. Implementation across departments, ensuring uniform technique application in high-stress situations, and refresher training necessitate ongoing attention. Regular training updates, continuous evaluation, and open dialogues about strategy effectiveness foster continuous program enhancements.

The Dirty Secret of De-escalation:

Acknowledging the reality, it's important to recognize that not all situations can be resolved through de-escalation. Although its unlikely you will see this on the news or read it in a media publication, not everyone can be de-escalated.

Encounters involving individuals in crisis, under the influence, or actively resisting cooperation may require alternate approaches to ensure safety for all. De-escalation training is a valuable tool within a multifaceted policing approach.

Clearing Up:

In response to the question, "Does de-escalation training work?"—undoubtedly, it does. Evidence supports the notion that comprehensive crisis intervention and de-escalation training equip law enforcement officers with indispensable skills for navigating complex situations, safeguarding lives, and fostering community trust. While de-escalation techniques prove effective in numerous cases, it's paramount to recognize that complementary strategies remain indispensable for handling diverse scenarios. If there was one tool or technique that worked every time, we would just use that one thing. Until then we need options.

Tracing the Path of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and the Innovation of the Memphis Model

Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) has emerged as a beacon of hope in the realm of public safety, transforming the way first responders and public safety personnel approach mental health crises. In honor of this being the week for the 2023 CIT international conference I thought that this would be a good time to look back. Let's journey through the historical evolution of CIT, highlighting the revolutionary Memphis Model and exploring its core elements as defined by CIT International.

The Genesis of Crisis Intervention Training

The seeds of CIT were sown during the 1960s, an era marked by growing awareness of the complexities surrounding mental health crisis management within emergency settings. Traditional law enforcement tactics often fell short when confronted with individuals in mental distress, sparking a pressing need for a more compassionate and specialized approach.

The Memphis Model: A Paradigm Shift

In the late 1980s, Memphis, Tennessee, emerged as a crucible of change. The Memphis Police Department, in conjunction with mental health professionals, community advocates, and those with lived experience, unveiled the groundbreaking Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. The Memphis Model, an embodiment of innovation, forever transformed how responders navigate mental health crises.

Key Elements of the Memphis Model

1. Collaborative Training: The Memphis Model, in harmony with the tenets of CIT International, underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, mental health providers, and community stakeholders. This multidisciplinary approach ensures all parties are armed with comprehensive knowledge and specialized skills to address mental health crises adeptly.

2. Specialized Training: Acknowledging that traditional police training is insufficient, the Memphis Model elevates CIT training by incorporating specialized education. Officers are imparted with insights into mental health intricacies, advanced de-escalation tactics, and effective communication strategies. This empowers them to respond with empathy, patience, and an unwavering focus on ensuring the safety of all involved.

3. Community Involvement: The Memphis Model thrives on community engagement, echoing CIT International's core emphasis on involving community members and mental health organizations. This inclusive approach guarantees that responses are culturally sensitive, equitable, and attuned to the distinct needs of the community.

4. Diversion to Treatment: Central to the Memphis Model is the philosophy of diverting individuals experiencing mental health crises from the criminal justice system to appropriate mental health treatment. This ethos encourages a shift toward healing and rehabilitation, breaking the cycle of criminalization for individuals in crisis.

Crisis Intervention Team International's Core Elements

CIT International, an organization dedicated to promoting CIT programs globally, emphasizes the following core elements back in September of 2007. They still use them today although they have grown to exponentially since that time.

• Collaboration

• Training

• Community and statewide partnerships

• Policy development

• Data collection and analysis

• Continuous quality improvement

Wrapping Up

The trajectory of Crisis Intervention Training showcases a profound evolution in responding to mental health crises. The Memphis Model, a pioneering approach deeply rooted in collaboration, specialized training, community engagement, and diversion, has revolutionized crisis response paradigms.