We are pleased to share that we have added two new training programs that can be provided to our firefighters and our other first responders upon request. The first, “Understanding Grief” is designed to provide participants with information concerning the causes and stages of grief and the tools to develop more effective communication strategies to aid in the recognition of the effects of grief. Specifically, the program will enable participants in identifying the causes of grief, the process of grief, the signs of complicated grief and the common misconceptions concerning grief. This program was developed and written by our Senior Chaplain Doug Farmer.
The second new program, “Suicide Awareness” was developed and written by Christopher B. Wells, M. Ed., who serves our Team as a Peer Trainer. This program addresses the issue of suicide from a peer perspective giving participants an awareness of general characteristics of those who contemplate taking their own lives. Suicide is an ever growing problem in the first responder community and the program also provides much information to prepare us to recognize those in our own ranks that are experiencing difficulties and/or suicidal thoughts. This program is a part of the “Finding Hope” Initiative of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Firefighter Assistance and Support Team and promises to be of great assistance in helping those who have lost hope.
Both of these programs are available to be taught in organizations during normal training meetings. Each takes about two hours to complete. Call our office at 843.609.8300 for more information or to schedule a class.