Positive Choices trains the Fire Service
The Positive Choices Project has trained 44 South Wales Fire Service personnel in two courses specifically aimed at providing them with the skills and confidence to intervene with someone at risk of suicide. A third course is due to be run in May.
The feedback so far has been very positive and the fire service staff who participated came away feeling more prepared. Many noted that the course encouraged them to talk about a ‘taboo’ subject openly, which was felt to be essential and had changed the way they would work in the future. Others noted that the course helped them to ‘overcome their fears about talking about suicide’ and that it challenged some of the myths surrounding suicide.
One participant commented that the skills learned during ASIST can be used in a variety of situations, something that they had not previously considered. They felt secure in using a ‘tried and tested’ model and that the ASIST framework would help them structure their way of working with someone in crisis. This change was not only felt on a professional level, however, as participants felt during the two days they had learned about themselves, too.
Once the third planned course is completed the feedback will be revisited with the intention of rolling the training out further within the fire service and also extending its reach to other emergency services. This comment on one participant’s feedback sheet shows the importance of ASIST for front line workers:
‘I don’t think anyone working in this field can afford not to attend this course.’
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