Citation

Friedman NMG, Dingler BJ, Gorstein LN, Epstein JA. J. Am. Coll. Health 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-5.

Affiliation

a Skidmore College Emergency Medical Services , Skidmore College , Saratoga Springs , New York , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2019.1583654

PMID

30946625

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: A Mental Health Task Force (MHTF) was implemented in 2016 by a collegiate-based emergency medical services (CBEMS) organization to (1) improve mental health emergency response and to (2) address concerns for the mental health of CBEMS providers. PARTICIPANTS: Skidmore College EMS is a Basic Life Support First Response service staffed by volunteer undergraduate students.

METHODS: In coordination with faculty and staff, students in the MHTF developed trainings, peer support structures, community events, policies, and informational resources.

RESULTS: Sixteen students joined the MHTF within 1 year. Over 35 Skidmore College EMS members received training on mental health emergency response, peer-support, and self-care. Debriefing programs, mindfulness-based events, shift-length limitations, and access to informational resources promoted the mental health of Skidmore College EMS members.

CONCLUSIONS: Implementing an MHTF is an innovative, student-led approach to coupling education on emergency response with programming that supports the mental health of CBEMS providers.

Language: en

Keywords

Collegiate-based emergency medical services; health education; mental health