Source: reddit
I recently learned about the existence of peer support for first responders as an alternative to traditional, department-approved mental health professionals. The 2018 International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) conference included a seminar covering managing a mass casualty incident management with lessons learned from incidents such as Sandy Hook, Pulse Nightclub, and Oak Creek, WI Sikh temple shootings.
The seminar provided attendees a thorough book meant to help police chiefs or sheriffs and their department administration navigate and maintain the immediate and long term aftermath of such incidents. I was asked by my Sheriff to read the book to determine what our agency needs to address now so that we may be better prepared for such an incident should it ever occur. I hope it never needs to be used.For all intents and purposes, I’ll be using the word “officer” to describe all emergency responders – EMS, Fire, dispatchers, medical staff, etc. The book is, as one may imagine, law enforcement focused and the biggest theme throughout was officer mental health. Officers responding to mass casualty incidents will undoubtedly see some horrific things and will be…
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