Dealing with unique stressors
Firefighters and law enforcement officers are more likely to die from suicide than in the line of duty. First responders, including EMS and 911 Dispatch are at a higher risk for many other effects of the job including substance abuse, depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress. Recent current events have highlighted a longstanding public health crisis for marginalized groups who face great inequality. The people on the front lines of this public health crisis are first responders: responding to those who are in the most need and facing harsh economic, social and health disparities. If we are able to assist our first responders in managing the enormous amount of stress and danger they face, help them deal with the traumatic events of their work, this brings more empathy and compassion to the communities they serve.
Who Blue Peak helps
Program offerings, developed with significant input from a representative group of first responders throughout the state, include a suite of offerings to support the emotional health of MN’s Fire, Police, Dispatch and EMS services and their families. Special considerations have been made throughout this project to include BIPOC first responders and BIPOC community members.
Blue Peak training is available for:
- First responder recruits/new employees
- Those already in the job
- Their families & children
- Behavioral Health providers wanting to gain competency in serving first responders
Training and skill building focuses on reducing mental health stigma, suicide, understanding the common effects of first responder work, signs and symptoms to look out for and ways to protect against the emotional hazards of the job.
Training for providers
Blue Peak's course is designed for clinicians and providers who desire to learn more about the unique stressors of being a first responder in order to be more effective in connecting and treating this special population.
This training includes classroom learning, engaging in realistic scenarios, as well as interacting with first responders. After completing the course, providers will be able to:
- Understand the culture of first responders
- Describe the prevalence of and research on mental health disorders within the first responder community
- Describe the barriers to seeking mental health treatment in this population
- Engage in discussions with first responders and clinicians working with them
- Identify therapeutic modalities and approaches used to treat trauma in first responders
Learn more about Blue Peak
Who is eligible?
This program connects first responders in need with a talent pool of mental health professionals who are uniquely qualified to treat health issues specific to these occupations. It is available to all first responders who work for or volunteer with Minnesota emergency response services. First responders do not need to be a Blue Cross member to access the program. Services are provided at no cost to first responders and their families.
Contact Blue Peak to get started
