Shoreline Fire Department

Basic Peer Support Course

Course Description

This 5-day course will provide an in-depth look at the need, creation, purpose, and
application of peer support programs for first responders. Attendees will gain knowledge
of behavioral health concerns faced by first responders and of the impacts of stress,
trauma, and critical incidents. Attendees will learn about suicide prevention,
assessment, and intervention as well as ways to manage burn out and compassion
fatigue to maintain employee wellness. A core component of the course is learning the
skills and interventions used by peer supporters and practicing these skills throughout
the week.

Course Title

Length of Course

40 hours

Date

February 22, 2027 – February 26, 2027

Time

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Venue

Shoreline Fire Department, 17525 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

Apply basic peer support skills in interactions with peers in need.

Identify behavioral health concerns commonly experienced by first responders.

Apply critical incident intervention techniques for peers.

Identify a peer’s need for a higher level of care and how to utilize referral networks.

Discuss the issues of burnout and compassion fatigue and ways to combat each.

Stronger People. Stronger Communities.