Connect Postvention First Responders:Trauma-Informed Response to Suicide

Connect Postvention First Responders: Trauma-Informed Response to Suicide

Dates and Times: April 29, 2024 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm AND May 6, 2024 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Cost: $0. This training is supported by Facing Suicide VT, a statewide prevention initiative coordinated by the Vermont Departments of Health and Mental Health and the Center for Health and Learning through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program.

Register here.

Note: During CHL-sponsored trainings, participants are not permitted to use AI tools for note-taking or recording sessions.If you require accommodations due to a disability, please contact info@healthandlearning.org.
Audience: First Responders (EMT, Fire, Rescue, DA Emergency Services staff, etc.).

About this Training:

This is a training for first responders (EMT, Fire, Rescue, DA Emergency Services staff, etc.) that will provide a comprehensive learning experience related to the aftermath of suicide, including how to safely and effectively respond to incidents of suicide deaths by implementing trauma-informed approaches, best practices, and available resources.

Additionally, this workshop offers information and resources about the impact of trauma on first responders and how to identify and reduce risk so that professional and personal stress can be managed effectively.

Workshop Objectives:

• Understand the impact of suicide on loss survivors;

• Review of protocol and resources for handling the scene of a suicide;

• Learn best practices around safe messaging, media guidelines, and memorial activities after a suicide or other traumatic death to reduce risk in others;

• Review resources and opportunities for collaboration with other providers to create a safety net after a suicide death to promote healing and reduce further risk of suicides in vulnerable populations;

• Understand the impact of trauma on law enforcement, recognize suicide risk, and review resources to reduce risk and promote healthy and productive management of stress.

About the Trainers:
On May 6, Vermont Panel members will share Vermont resources and best practices around community response to suicide death. Vermont Panel Members include:

Amy Farr, LICSW, Victim Services Specialist

Bobby Arnell, Special Accounts & Strategic Services Director, Invest EAP

Charlotte McCorkel, LICSW, Senior Director of Client Services at the Howard Center

Heather White, Area Director, AFSP Vermont

Terri Lavely, MS, QMHP, Training, Development and Advancement,
Northeast Kingdom Human Services

Ann Duckless who is an author of the Connect training, has trained extensively on suicide prevention and postvention, and is a primary trainer at the NH Police Standards Academy and the NH Department of Corrections. Prior to working at NAMI NH, Ann worked in the field of substance misuse and youth leadership.

Additional Information: NAMI NH developed the Connect Suicide Prevention and Postvention 20 years ago. The Connect Program provides a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and postvention including training, training of trainers, strategic planning, consultation, and protocols. As a nationally recognized evidence-based program, we have conducted our programs around the country with states, tribes, communities, schools, military installations, and other groups, including the State of Vermont in implementing Connect in the early years of its development. NAMI NH has worked closely with first responders for the past 20+ years.