This document discusses the need for improved trauma training for first responders. It notes that current training does not adequately address the cumulative trauma they often experience and can even re-traumatize some. Responders First was created using the latest research on trauma to provide multi-tier training covering pre-trauma readiness, potential trauma, vicarious trauma, primary trauma, and post-trauma mitigation. The training is focused on building proficiency over time through systematic curriculum and tools. It aims to increase performance and outcomes while decreasing issues like depression, substance abuse, and post-incident recovery times.

1. BY FIRST RESPONDERS
FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

2. The problem

3. TRAUMA
is cumulative
often experience trauma
through their work
FIRST RESPONDERS
doesn’t address
these problems
CURRENT TRAINING
T h e P r o b l e m

4. The
way traumais typically treated
(talking it out)
re-traumatize
Has been found to
many individuals
T h e P r o b l e m

5. Known Effects of Trauma:
Relationship problems Absenteeism
PTSD
Burnout
S u i c i d e
SUBSTANCE
ABUSE
T h e P r o b l e m

6. T h e P r o b l e m
Slower decision making
Errors in judgement
Losses in critical and fluid thinking ability
Losses in team thinking ability
Less Known Effects of Trauma:

7. Outdated
Solutions
T h e P r o b l e m
Desensitization|medication|talkaboutit|don’ttalkaboutit
Current treatments are often ineffective and only cover symptoms.

8. Responders First Was Created Specifically
To Apply The New Research To Address:
Respondersfirst
Pre-Trauma
Readiness
Potential Trauma
Peri-Trauma
Vicarious Trauma
Primary Trauma
Trauma Mitigation
(in the moment strategies)
Post-Trauma Mitigation
(Self-Debriefingsm)

9. Findings
T h e P r o b l e m
Stress and trauma are processed in
specific parts of the brain and the body
Stress and trauma can be
processed and left behind
Individuals with highly stressful jobs can
“keep up” with this processing and avoid
depression, burnout and other negative
consequences to mental and physical health
Researchn
e
w
RespondersFirst methods apply the newest research inthe followingways:

10. Responders First Was Created Specifically For These Groups:
Respondersfirst
Leadership Decision makers
Training Officers Frontline Personnel

11. How it works

12. Howitworks
Systematic
Curriculum
Trainees
become more
proficient over
time
Tools and
practices that
build on
themselves and
enhance other
training
The training is self-
perpetuating so
individuals continue
to increase their
abilities after the
training is complete

13. On-site Trainings
Training Manuals
Workshops
Trainings customized to meet the specific
stressors experienced by
– Leadership
– New Recruits
– Specialized Teams
– Frontline Personnel
Howitworks
What we provide

14. Focused Multi-Tier Training
Mid-level Training – Appropriate for anyone who has taken Tier 1, foundational
training and passed the proficiency exams
Howitworks
Tier 1:Foundational Training – appropriate for everyone Online or through Certified
RespondersFirst Trainers
Tier 2:

15. Master-level Training – Appropriate for those who have taken Tiers 1, 2, and 3. Have
had 50 mentoring hours by a certified Master Trainer, logged 1,500 trainer hours and
passed the Advanced-level RF Trainer exam.
Howitworks
Advanced-level Training – Appropriate for those who have Taken both Tier 1 and 2.
Have had 20 mentoring hours by a certified Master Trainer, logged 500 trainer hours
and passed the Mid-level RF Trainer exam.
Tier 3:
Tier 4:
Focused Multi-Tier Training

16. Based on High Stakes Performance method
Managing energy, not time
Conscious, self-evaluation and increasing self-awareness
Access, at any given moment, any or all of one’s resources
The ability to consciously choose which resources to use
while maintaining the ability to rest others
Howitworks
sm

17. Certification as RF Master Trainer:
• Recommended by a Master RF Trainer
• Completed Master-level training
• Passed oral and written exams
• Passed live exercise assessment
Howitworks
Focused Multi-Tier Training

18. Outcome
• High Stakes Performance
• Productivity
• Reliable functioning in
emergent and crisis
situations
• Pro-social behaviors and
team cohesion
Howitworks
• Depression
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal Ideation and
completed suicides
• Negative coping mechanisms
• Post-incident recovery time
and post-trauma symptoms
INCREASE IN DECREASE IN

19. Why responders first?

20. Based on the latest research
on:
Whyrespondersfirst
Performance in critical situations
What short circuits thought and action
Decision making under extreme stress
We teach the highest performance skills and
techniques
Our training enhances individual and team skills
Our training adds to and expands the usefulness
any existing training
What we do:

21. Whyrespondersfirst
Are former or retired First Responders, Veterans
or both
Have had their own challenges with trauma and
applied the RF training to process and heal it
Are certified and a part of our team because
they truly believe in the work they are doing
All of Our
trainers

22. Clinician and seminal researcher on High Stakes Performancesm method
Board Certified in Forensic Traumatology, Emergency Crisis Response, Domestic
Violence
Master Certified Coach, certified by the International Coach Federation
BA in Psychology, MS in Counseling Psychology, EdS in Curriculum and Instruction,
PhD candidate in Organizational Development and Transformation
Suffered her own trauma, formally diagnosed with profound PTSD and processed it
through the High Stakes Performance techniques she developed and now teaches.
Whyrespondersfirst
L o r i e h o o d

23. www.respondersfirstllc.com