Peer support teams are an effective tool to help public safety personnel process stressful and traumatic incidents. So it’s not surprising that many law enforcement agencies and fire departments rely on these teams as part of their critical incident stress management strategy. In addition, services such as paramedics, search and rescue, ski patrol and other enforcement agencies have begun to deploy peer support teams and Critical Incident Stress Management programs to look after their staff.
But there’s a great deal of risk involved with a peer support team, too. Without the proper support, team members can be subject to vicarious trauma and burnout. Without the proper protocols, the wrong people can be selected as team members. Training can also fall short of adequately preparing the team.
In this webinar, Lexipol co-founder Gordon Graham and retired Inspector and CSIM team consultant Jess Ram will share six essential steps public safety leaders can take to set up peer support teams for success.
You’ll learn:
- Essential standards and protocols to consider for peer support teams
- Team member selection and training considerations
- Safeguards to have in place to manage the impact of stress on peer trainers
- The role of executives and senior management in supporting peer trainers and maintaining a healthy, effective peer support team
Presented by:
Gordon Graham Jessbir Ram
Co-founder, Lexipol Inspector (Ret.)
Attorney/Risk Vancouver PD
Management Expert Canadian Certified Counsellor/CISM Trainer
