Fire Service Cultural Competency Certificate Program – Washington, D.C.

by Americas - EventsAssociations and OrganisationsEventsHealth and SafetyHealthcare

We are excited to invite you to the Fire Service Cultural Competency Certificate Program in Washington, D.C., presented by FSPA and the DC Fire & EMS Department. This UNIQUE and immersive program offers 7 Continuing Education (CE) credits, making it an invaluable opportunity for psychologists and masters-level mental health clinicians to gain unique insights into the world of firefighting and emergency medical services. The program will take place in conjunction with FSPA’s 7th Annual Conference, but attendance at the conference is not required for enrolment in this comprehensive training.

The program will take place in conjunction with FSPA’s 7th Annual Conference on October 3&4, but attendance at the conference is not required for enrolment in this comprehensive training.

Program Schedule:

Day 1: Fire Operations 101
• Date: October 2nd
• Location: DC Fire & EMS Training Facility
• Time: 0800-1600 hrs. EDT
Participants will experience realistic firefighting scenarios, including live fire, search and rescue, aerial ladder operations, and medical emergencies such as overdose response.

Day 2: Understanding Fire Service Culture
• Date: October 5th
• Location: DC Fire & EMS Training Facility
• Time: 0800-1600 hrs. EDT
This classroom session will provide a deeper understanding of the unique cultural aspects of the fire service, including performance standards, trauma exposure, and psychological demands.

Participants will also have the opportunity to complete 40 hours of ride-alongs with DC Fire & EMS and receive additional consultation hours to ensure proficiency in fire service psychology.

FSPA’s Cultural Competency Training is unique from other programs because participants will also have the opportunity to complete 40 hours of ride-alongs with fire departments near their practice and receive additional consultation hours to ensure proper support and proficiency as they learn to work with firefighters.  

Space is limited! Click Here to sign up today and secure your spot. For any questions or special accommodation requests, please contact us at info@firepsychology.org.  

We look forward to seeing you in D.C.!

Best regards, Kristen Wheldon Founder, Fire Service Psychology Association

Trauma Risk Management takes centre stage at the FSPA conference

by AmericasEventsFeatured News

Understanding trauma management in the fire service

Dr Kristen Wheldon, a renowned Licensed Psychologist and the President & Founder of the Fire Service Psychology Association, is set to present on Trauma Risk Management at the upcoming FSPA Conference.

Scheduled for day two, on October 6th 2023, her session promises insights into current strategies for managing acute stress within organisations.

Key areas of focus in Trauma Risk Management

Participants attending the conference will delve into:

  • Organisational methods for addressing immediate stress.
  • The progression of peer support programs in the fire service.
  • The undeniable advantages of psychological first aid models.
  • The essential role clinical oversight plays in fire service behavioural health initiatives.

About the conference: A blend of fire service and psychology

Taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, the sixth annual conference is set to span two days from 5-6 October 2023.

Hosted at the Exhibition Hall – Midtown Room at Georgia Tech, this event offers attendees an in-depth look into the intricacies of the fire service, coupled with the latest in psychological research.

A unique networking opportunity, the conference aims to bridge the divide between professional psychology and the fire service.

Attendees have the added benefit of earning up to twelve continuing education credits, proudly sponsored by the American Psychological Association.

For more information and registration details, visit the official FSPA Conference page.

IFSJ Comment

In the demanding world of the fire service, the mental well-being of firefighters is paramount.

This conference, with its focus on Trauma Risk Management, acknowledges the importance of psychological health in the industry.

The inclusion of esteemed professionals, like Dr Kristen Wheldon, underscores the emphasis on providing quality information and tools.

The fusion of practical fire service knowledge with cutting-edge psychological research offers a holistic view, aiming to enhance the support structures for those bravely serving in the front lines.

By facilitating education and fostering connections between the fire service and psychology professionals, the FSPA conference truly champions the well-being of its heroes.

About Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA)

The Fire Service Psychology Association is a pioneer in promoting mental health and well-being within the fire service community.

Founded by Dr Kristen Wheldon, the organisation actively bridges the gap between psychology professionals and firefighters.

Through events like their annual conference, FSPA continually strives to equip fire service personnel with the tools and knowledge to manage the unique stresses and traumas they encounter.

With a vision rooted in supporting the mental resilience of these brave individuals, FSPA remains at the forefront of change and innovation in the industry.

Webinar examines firefighter stress and explosive anger

by EventsFeatured NewsTraining

Firefighter stress and intimate partner aggression: A webinar insight

Today, 9th August at 10am PST (6:00 PM in London), the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) is hosting a seminar on firefighter stress and how it can affect marital relationships.

The seminar, titled ‘Firefighter Stress and Explosive Anger: The Impact on Marriage,’ is part of the FSPA 2023 Webinar Series.

The webinar is accessible via this link.

Detailed exploration of clinical practices for firefighter stress

Dr. Erica Birkley will present the seminar, which aims to review research on intimate partner aggression (IPA) perpetration prevalence.

It will focus on processes that predict for whom and under what circumstances IPA is most likely to occur.

The discussion will include best clinical practices for when it is ethical to use couple therapy as a treatment mechanism.

Specifically, adaptations and cultural competence in delivering couple therapy and assessing IPA risk among firefighter/paramedics will be covered.

Legal documentation and reporting requirements, as well as court cases and ethics for psychologists, will be extensively discussed.

A mock clinical case to address firefighter stress and treatment strategies

The training will conclude with a firefighter/paramedic mock clinical case.

Participants will elaborate on their goals for assessment, clinical treatment plan formation, documentation, consultation, and reporting strategies.

This mock example will include dual role considerations and an ethical dilemma to provide more in-depth training and reflection.

Psychologists attending the full session will be awarded 1 CE credit.

The fee for this session is $25.

IFSJ Comment

This seminar from the FSPA brings to the forefront a critical subject that often remains unaddressed.

By focusing on firefighter stress and its consequences on personal relationships, it encourages open dialogue and provides valuable insights into professional treatment strategies.

The offering of a practical case scenario further enhances the understanding of handling such complex issues, making this a relevant and timely topic for our readership.