Peer Support Outreach after a Potentially Traumatic Event

Objectives and Summary:

This interactive webinar will explore how the peer support outreach model can used to support fire service members after a potentially traumatic event.  We will explore different kinds of occupational trauma in the fire service and the range of traumatic stress reactions. Participants will review critical steps to peer support outreach following PTEs, including how to gather information, triage and assess needed support, assemble the peer team, contact command, arrive and assign roles, initiate outreach, and complete wrap-up.  Presenters will share personal outreach experiences and answer Q&A.  Updated IAFF resources will be shared.

Presented By:

Matt Askea, LPC

Captain, Akron Fire Department & Clinical Coordinator, Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighter
Matt Askea is a Captain for the Akron Fire Department in Akron, OH. Matt is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Ohio and serves as the clinical coordinator for the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF) Peer Team. Matt is a proud member of Akron Fire Fighters Association Local 330 and also teaches throughout the country as a Master IAFF Peer Support Instructor.

Bill Crews

Captain, Garland Fire Department, President, Local 1293 Garland, IAFF Master Peer Support and Resili
Bill Crews is a Captain with the Garland Fire Department and the President of Garland Fire Fighters, Local 1293 in Texas. He has 33 years of experience in the fire service and has worked with firefighters after potentially traumatic events for the last 25 years. Bill has been a Master Peer Support and Resiliency Instructor for the IAFF behavioral health program since 2019.

Myrrhanda Jones

Outreach Director, First Responder & Veterans Programs
Myrrhanda Jones is an outreach director for the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery that opened in March 2017. Myrrhanda represents the Center of Excellence and travels across the country, educating members on the services that the treatment facility provides.