“This is a training for first responders to help their fellow first responders,” said Salem Fire Inspector Rob North.

North said that the two-day International Association of Firefighters Peer Support Seminar had 30 first responders enrolled and was funded by a $9,000 grant from the Salem Community Foundation. The community foundation was not alone in supporting the seminar as the Sustainable Opportunity Development Center hosted the seminar in its training center, and lunch donated by Design Restoration.

North said that the participants included firefighters, police, and paramedics from across northeast Ohio including members of the Salem police and fire departments, the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson Township Fire Department, Winona Fire Department and more. In addition to local agencies the course also included participants from the Boardman Township Fire Department, Canton Fire Department, Akron Fire Department, and the Youngstown Air Reserve Station.

North explained that peer support training and programs equip first responders with the knowledge and skills to identify and assist with a mental crisis.

All International Association of Firefighters Peer Support Seminars are taught by certified Mast Instructor like Mike Yaeger, left, and Matt Askea. Yaeger said that that organized peer support programs for emergency responders date back to the aftermath of the first world war when doctors who had served began to collaborate and correspond as a way of managing post-traumatic stress and that first responders were twice as likely as civilians to experience addiction. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

“A lot of it is learning how to talk to people about these things, what signs to look for in a possible mental health crisis, and how to coordinate resources in a crisis,” said North.

North also said that the seminar not only teaches participants individual skills to respond to a crisis but how to start a peer support program within their own departments, emphasizing the value of these programs.

“Peer support training gives first responders the knowledge and skills to support each other and to combat first responder suicide,” said North.

IAFF Master Instructor Mike Yaeger said that organized peer support programs for emergency responders date back to the aftermath of the first world war when doctors who had served began to collaborate and correspond as a way of managing post-traumatic stress from their experiences. This legacy of mutual support was on display Thursday morning as the participants introduced themselves and shared their reasons for participating. Despite coming from such a wide array of agencies both with and without active peer support programs, the universal theme was a desire to better support their fellow first responders and communities.