{ Altering the Course: Mental Illness and First Responders

Issues Facing the Mentally Ill and First Responders Budget cuts, including state, municipal, and federal grants Due the economic crisis, the federal and state governments have reduced funding for mental health. This lack of funding impacts the ability of counties and cities to fund behavioral health. Donations are down, resulting in a reduction of grants. Reduced support for treatment, medications, and long term care Low income people are unable to afford proper counseling, medications, or inpatient care.

Issues continued Lack of training in mental health crises Except for those that are behavioral health experts, first responders and other officials do not have training in handling a person in crisis. This can lead to negative outcomes for both the first responder and the victim. Stigma of having a mental illness For those that have been diagnosed as mentally ill, common thought is of marginalization. That person automatically becomes less of a person and often faces difficulty finding employment and housing.

Training First Responders Understanding the signs and symptoms of mental illness It is necessary to understand what the signs and symptoms are, but also to comprehend the meaning. Common terminology and combined training will help eliminate confusion, especially over the radio. Recognizing a person in crisis and intervention techniques First responders must be able to take classroom knowledge and use it in practical application. One cannot intervene and deescalate a situation if they cannot recognize that a person is in distress. Using “verbal judo” is an important tool in a first responder’s arsenal. Talking to a person can in a calm and controlled manner can quickly defuse a situation.

Outcomes Increased awareness through training, role playing, and practical application It is difficult to handle a situation if you have never been trained in interactions. With continual training and practice, first responders will gain valuable insight into those that suffer from mental illness. Higher standard of care due to common knowledge, terminology, and cooperative training Integration of dispatch, law enforcement, and firefighters allow for a cohesive unit to respond to a crisis or disaster. This benefits the victims because the first responders understand everyone else.

Outcomes, cont’d Establish search and rescue plans for Alzheimer’s and Autism Due to cognitive, communicative, and intellectual capabilities of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and Autism, it is important to design, implement, and update plans for utilization of search and rescue if a person disappears. Create relationships with DCFS and behavioral health experts Mental health experts are a needed resource for cities, counties, and first responders. They can provide invaluable resources to furthering mental health training and crisis intervention.

Secondary Outcomes Recognize the signs of psychiatric trauma in fellow first responders Recent research has indicated an increased probability of first responders suffering mental health issues due to repeated traumatic exposures. Identify community leaders and cultivate a relationship with the community Utilizing community leaders and building relationships with the community will aid in understanding the needs of the community.

Secondary Outcomes, cont’d Strong community leadership during a crisis Providing leadership is necessary for a city and their first responders. The community has to know they can rely on their leaders to guide them through any situation. Assist other jurisdictions with search and rescue or providing mental health training First responders with training in mental health issues can assist other departments with search and rescue operations or provide training in mental health crises.

Foundation for Emergency Management Response Using behavioral health professionals will enable planners to determine the courses of action for preparation purposes Behavioral health experts can provide guidance for including the needs of the mentally ill into emergency management plans. Host community forums that incorporate input from the community The community needs to be able to voice their concerns regarding treatment by first responders and in planning for a hazard or disaster.

Foundations for Emergency Management Response Identifying experienced first responders for possible Initial Mobilization Team An Initial Mobilization Team would consist of veteran first responders that would mobilize in a disaster situation. This enables additional “boots on the ground” and inform the main body of any equipment or personnel that is needed. Incorporation of mental health into the incident command system Integrate a supplemental program into existing plans and activate as needed.

Conclusions Due to budget cuts, the mentally ill and first responders are forced to do more with less Training first responders will aid in the reduction of negative outcomes due in mental health crises Creating relationships with mental health professionals and the community can help municipalities with further training and planning Incorporating mental health training will enable first responders to recognize symptoms of a mental health crisis on a daily basis, in fellow first responders, and in victims after a disaster Protection of the most vulnerable populations needs to be a priority in daily tasks and in emergency management planning