Suicide First Aid 

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Course overview:

Teaching the theory and practice of suicide intervention skills that can be applied in any professional or personal setting. We work with experienced suicide prevention trainers to deliver this unique learning experience for anyone who seeks greater understanding and confidence to intervene with people at risk of suicide.

 

The Suicide First Aid through Understanding Suicide Intervention (SFAUSI) course gives learners the knowledge and tools to understand that suicide is one of the most preventable deaths and some basic skills can help someone with thoughts of suicide stay safe from their thoughts and stay alive.

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Course content:

SFAUSI is comprised of 4 parts, each 90 minutes duration. The programme teaches and practices the skills and knowledge needed to identify someone who may be thinking about suicide and competently intervene to help create suicide-safety as a first aid approach.

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Suicide First Aid Course Outline 

  

Part One

Introduction to: the day; programme; ourselves and suicide prevention
Stigma, Survivors of bereavement by suicide and the Hidden Toll
Suicide thoughts and suicide behaviour
Intention of behaviour Versus Outcome of behaviour
Possible Causes of Suicide thoughts

 

Part Two

Suicide – the Ripple Effect
Population-based approach to suicide prevention
Partnership working
Working with attitudes and values
“I’m Really Glad You Told Me” audio visual

 

Part Three

Meeting the needs of a person who is thinking about suicide
Suicide-Safety Guide
Step 1 – Recognising suicide and Asking about suicide
Step 2 – Understanding options

 

Part Four 

Step 3 – Safeguarding suicide
Suicide-safety and self-care
The risk assessment approach
Future learning
 

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Evidence Base:

Two independent evaluations in 2016 and 2017 by Dr Paul Rogers demonstrated

significant statistical change in 14 of 19 measures. Increased confidence and

reduced anxiety in dealing with suicide, were among the leading outcomes.

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Methods of delivery:

Taught over 6 hours using tutor facilitated Socratic learning, tutor-led role- play, mini

lectures, group work and audio-visual presentations. This is a highly interactive and

emotionally engaging learning experience.

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Pre-training requirement:

No previous experience or training is necessary. Participants will be asked to self-

reflect and empathise with a person having thoughts of suicide. There is no

expectation on participants to share personal experiences.

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Who should attend?

Multi-sector managers and practitioners including health, housing, social care,

education, criminal justice, call centre operators, private, voluntary and public

sector workers and community groups or members.

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Accreditation - optional extra 

Participants will gain 6 NQF credit points at Level 4 by completing a workbook of

tasks that are assessed against the set learning outcomes. Optional extra of £80 cost.

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