CLASS DESCRIPTION

Mental health has been, for decades, a looming problem experienced by a largely underserved population. Nonetheless, breakthroughs have been, and continue to be, made in treatment of many disorders plaguing our patients. As EMS providers, we must be aware of how to keep ourselves safe, how to respond appropriately to situations as they arise, and how to effectively and appropriately detect and respond to such problems in our patients, our coworkers, and even ourselves.

CLASS OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this class, each student should be able to meet the following objectives:

1. Explain the unique properties of common mental illnesses including clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
2. Verbalize steps responders should take to remain safe on scene (including leaving the scene as necessary) in the context of patients experiencing a mental health crisis.
3. Describe changing life conditions that can present changes in mental health in patients, coworkers, and themselves.
4. Explain the difference between tangible and intangible losses and their impact on mental health.
5. List risk factors that reflect the possibility of a suicide attempt.
6. Describe techniques for deescalating a high-stress situation with a coworker or a patient.
7. Relate indicators of decline in mental condition in themselves, when to seek help, and what appropriate resources are available.

CREDITS

NREMT: 1 Medical: Psychiatric, All Levels

State of Michigan: 1 Preparatory, All Levels

NOTE: NREMT Approval grants credit in most states