Mental First Aid for rescue workers and first responders

Maintaining mental health in a demanding time and demanding work

 

A Confidential Balance & Impulse concept


Introduction

First-aid for physical health is a concept we are familiar with. Trained volunteers are invaluable for protecting health. Often when we think of first-aid, we think of the example of CPR training. However, little attention is paid to the training of how we deal with psychological problems.
Given we live in a time of a worldwide pandemic, there is a lot of psychological distress, making it more necessary than ever to know how to (re)act. Therefore, we offer you this training in mental first-aid.

Training Structure

  • The training consists of two days, of which you will train independently, online for two half-days. There will also be two half-days where you will be required to attend training in person.
  • An annual follow-up training for one day. This day also concerns a half-day of online training and a half-day of in-person training.

Certificate

Upon successful participation and passing of necessary tests, participants will receive a certificate according to HBO registration CRKBO. If participants do not pass the tests, display skills which are deemed inadequate or engage in harmful behaviour towards people with psychological complaints during the training, the certificate will not be granted.

View the terms and conditions for providing our services here:

READ MORE

 

 

Sign up: Mental First Aid training for rescue workers and first responders

 Training details Mental First Aid - rescueworkers and first responders

Program Day 1:

  • Recognising psychological complaints
  • Distinction of: acute psychological problems in the short-term and long-term
  • Discussing psychological complaints
  • Basic first aid Procedures
  • Taking care of safety
  • Providing recovery time
  • Providing energy resources
  • Providing relaxation and sleep
  • Providing nutrition

Program Day 2:

  • Dealing with difficult emotions: fear, melancholia, anger, sadness
  • What is healthy processing of traumatic events?
  • What is unhealthy processing of major events?
  • Basic forms of conversation:
    – Providing security
    – Listening
    – Providing structure
    – Dealing with distance and proximity wisely
    – Providing perspective
    – Providing follow-up, aftercare

Annual Follow-Up


Day Program

  • Contribute your own situations with questions
  • Recognising psychological complaints
  • Distinction of: acute psychological problems, short-term, long-term
  • Discussing psychological complaints
  • Refresh basic mental first-aid procedures


Mental First-Aid Trainers

The training is conducted by Dr. Heilwine Bakker (GZ psychologist NIP) who has acquired extensive experience in the corporate sector.

Theoretical framework

The approach has been developed over a period of 25-years, focussing on psychological services for businesses and rescue work. It is also supported by various publications and scientific research.


rescue workers foundation logo without background


A portion of the proceeds from the courses will be donated to the Rescue Workers Foundation.

The Rescue Workers' Foundation aims to improve preventive and curative support for rescue workers and their families, promoting their mental health and life tasks, especially after health loss and career setbacks. Click here for more information.

 

Contact

Contact us via e-mail for a free introductory meeting.

Should you have any further questions, please email us at secretariaat@balans-en-impuls.nl. We aim to respond to your inquiries within two working days.

This course is intended to be a preventive measure for minor psychological complaints and the maintenance of your mental health during unprecedented times. If you are suffering from serious psychological complaints or crises, contact your general practitioner or the emergency help number of your respective country. All services are provided in accordance with the quality standards of Balans & Impuls.