Techniques for Becoming a More Resilient First Responder

Registration Now Open!

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The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is pleased to offer the course, “Techniques for Becoming a More Resilient First Responder.”

In the realm of first responders, the absence of trust can breed a culture where personnel hesitate to exhibit their authentic selves. This hesitancy leads to the adoption of negative coping mechanisms to mask underlying mental wellness issues, often culminating in tragic outcomes like increased suicides. All of us have a responsibility to the people of our organization and ourselves, to be aware of our wellness. From command staff to the rookie, recognizing and communicating our concerns for each other is everyone's responsibility. All of us within the first responder community play a pivotal role in shaping the levels of trust and the degree of employee engagement in mental wellness initiatives.

This course highlights the profound importance of mental wellness programs within the dynamic world of the first responder.

Topics to be addressed:

Pitfalls of Communication

• Respect
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Unconscious Bias
• Generational Awareness

Trust

• Authenticity
• Logic
• Empathy
• Walk the Walk

Three-Part System

• Recognize - Nonverbal Communication
• Intervene
• Feedback
• Smart Coaching

Who should attend?

This training is open to all first responder groups, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, fire/EMS, EMTs, dispatchers, and corrections. Additionally, retired first responders, as well as, civilian peer support and mental health clinicians who are culturally competent in first responder wellness, are encouraged to attend.

Partial In-service Credit

Partial In-service Credit (PIC) for Virginia law enforcement officers will be available.

Travel, Lodging & Meals

Transportation, lodging and meals are the responsibility of the participant.

Training Time & Details

Check-in will begin at 7:45 a.m. The course will be held from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cost and Registration

There is no cost to attend this training, however pre-registration is required.

Please note that the DCJS registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. It is the responsibility of the DCJS assigned course director to review the roster and make a final determination on acceptance into the course. Registrants not accepted will be notified via the email address provided during registration.