Tag Archives: Mental Health First Aid

Psychological First Aid Training Can Save Lives - Close-up of a devastated young man holding his head in his hands and a group of friends in a supportive pose around him

Psychological First Aid Can Save Lives

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Who can benefit from Psychological First Aid training?

First aid for the mind is just as important as first aid for the body. Like physical first aid, psychological first aid training can save lives. Individuals suffering from high-stress levels, burnout and suicidal thoughts are at an all-time high in areas such as workplaces, schools, indigenous communities and among professional responders.

The Canadian Red Cross Psychological First Aid course is a resiliency building wellness program. The course equips learners to develop a personal understanding of the effects of stress, loss, trauma and grief on others, emphasizing self-care and personal protection. The course uses primarily case-based learning and includes the latest evidence from the international community.

Psychological First Aid course schedule and online registration 

Psychological First Aid Course Details

Course fee
$115.00 + GST per person

Audience
The course is adaptable to all audiences (Youth, Workplace, Professional Responder)

Duration
45-90 minutes online learning and 7 hours in-class

Instructor
Canadian Red Cross Psychological First Aid Instructor

  • Prerequisites
    16 years of age (recommended)
  • Psychological First Aid – Self-Care online course (required for blended option only)
    Completion
  • Participate in 100% of the in-class course
  • Complete the online course: Psychological First Aid – Self-Care (required for blended option only)

Certification
3-year Red Cross certification in Psychological First Aid

Course Content
Case-based learning and discussion will be tailored to the audience and include the following content:

Psychological First Aid Training Can Save Lives - Image of two people sitting on a park bench with one comforting the other.

  • Introduction to Red Cross
  • Case Studies
  • Psychological First Aid
  • Operational Principles
  • Stress, Distress
  • Loss and Grief
  • Trauma
  • Indicators
  • Vulnerable Populations
  • Supportive Communication
  • Look, Listen, Link, Live
  • Resiliency and Protective Factors
  • Protection
  • Policies, Legislation
  • Self-Care
  • Participant Materials
  • Psychological First Aid Workbook (print)
  • Look, Listen, Link, Live cards
  • Psychological First Aid–Self-Care online course (required for blended option)
  • Psychological First Aid–Caring for Others online course (optional)

More info about Psychological First Aid from the Canadian Red Cross website

Frequently Asked Questions about Psychological First Aid

Q: Is Red Cross Psychological First Aid a nationally recognized certification?

A: Yes. The Red Cross Psychological First Aid certification is recognized across Canada.

Q: Can I book a private Psychological First Aid course for my team?

A: Yes. Please contact us for pricing onsite training information.

Q: What is the difference between Psychological First Aid and Mental Health First Aid? 

A:  Mental Health First Aid focuses on primarily educating professional responders on the signs, symptoms, and care for various types of mental health issues.

Psychological First Aid offers a daily aid to dealing with the stresses of life for individuals within a broad spectrum of communities.

Q: Do participants get a certificate after completing a Psychological First Aid course?

A: Yes. You will receive certification from the Canadian Red Cross.

CRC-Psychological-First-Aid-Guide-2019

Psychological First Aid Can Save Lives.
Register for a class now or book a group training session for your team.

How can employers reduce the impact of poor mental health in the workplace?

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The link between stress, mental health and employee absence is well known; it remains a significant challenge for many Canadian employers.

Poor mental health in the workplace has a negative impact on both physical and mental well-being of employees. The early signs of poor mental health can be seen when employees begin to experience physical illnesses or conditions that are not directly related to their jobs like back pain, headaches, arthritis, and skin disorders.

Each year, absenteeism costs Canadian employers $16.5 Billion dollars in lost revenue. It makes sense for employers to look after the physical and mental health of their workers.

Smart employers are now offering Mental Health First Aid training in the workplace. Maintaining a happy, healthy workforce leads to higher productivity, less down time and absenteeism and this has a positive impact on the bottom line.

Mental Health First Aid – About the course

Physical first aid courses prepare people for medical emergencies such as choking, heart attack and broken bones. Mental health first aid training gives people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

A range of mental health issues will be covered, including mood, anxiety, trauma-related, psychotic and substance use disorders. The course will also teach first aid skills for dealing with drug overdose, suicidal behaviour, panic attacks, psychosis and acute stress reaction.

The goal is to enable participants to build the skills and confidence necessary to engage in effective conversations about mental health, help them recognize the most common mental health problems and illnesses, increase their comfort level with, and willingness to help others, and decrease the stigma and discrimination around mental health problems and illnesses.

PRIVATE group training for your team

Safe + Sound First Aid Training offers private group training as well as public courses. We can teach a course onsite at your location or at our Coquitlam classroom. For more information please call 604-945-7277 or follow this link

PUBLIC Mental Health First Aid course dates:

September 26&27 2018, Coquitlam  Register

November 7&8 2018, Coquitlam Register

Register online or call 604-945-7277

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague. One in five people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.

Everyone can benefit from taking Mental Health First Aid training.

 

How Mental Health First Aid Training Saves Employers Money

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As a responsible employer, you provide a physically safe environment for your workers. But what about their psychological health and safety? Are you doing enough to help your staff be their best selves at work? Supporting your employees’ mental health with Mental Health First Aid training, can improve productivity, reduce absences, and increase worker retention.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five (20%) of Canadians, will suffer from a significant mental health condition at least once in their lifetime. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about mental health issues, however, things are changing. Media campaigns and educational courses are bringing awareness to how many Canadians are affected by mental health conditions.  These initiatives are taking away the stigma that prevents those suffering from mental health issues from seeking help.

The cost of a disability leave for a mental illness is about double the cost of a leave due to a physical illness. A growing body of international evidence demonstrates that promotion, prevention, and early intervention initiatives show positive returns on investment. Smart employers provide Mental Health First Aid training in the workplace because they want to:

  • Reduce employee absenteeism
  • Reduce medical and disability costs
  • Improve employee retention
  • Improve employee morale
  • Reduce stigma around mental health issues

Safe + Sound offers public Mental Health First Aid training in Coquitlam and we also do onsite training in organizations all over Metro Vancouver. If you’d like more information about our public courses or private Group Training for your team, please contact us.

Mental Health First Aid training in Coquitlam:

Register online for Mental Health First Aid in Coquitlam ($200.00+GST)