Date

2-29-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Rachel Piferi

Keywords

MHFA, Mental Health First Aid, first responders, EMT, EMS, Firefighter, MHLS, Mental Health Literacy Scale, mental health training, dual trained, mental health crisis, mental illnesses

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

This study aimed to address the gap in the mental health training of first responders. Mental health issues have increased and continue to increase each year and is leading to more emergency calls being made about individuals with mental illnesses or in a mental health crisis. With this increase in calls related to mental health, first responders are not prepared to handle these calls. This study examined the effectiveness of a mental health training program, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), on first responders’ knowledge, stigmas, comfort level, confidence level, ability to identify mental health symptoms, and benefits for first responders and those with a mental illness that they help. This study used a mixed method of both qualitative and quantitative data and pre-post surveys. A total of 21 firefighters, EMTs/EMS, or dual trained first responders that worked in VA and had not taken any MHFA training before participated. The findings of the study highlight the importance of MHFA training for first responders, the benefits of the training on first responders and those they help, and bring awareness to the gap in their training.

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