Training program works to help local veterans in crisis

BEDFORD, Mass. — First responders are often the ones dealing with people in mental health crises – including veterans.

"We have people having a difficult time transitioning back and we are a lot of times the first people on.
I don't think anyone can really understand unless you've lived through it," said Concord Police Officer Sean Roberts.

Roberts does understand what it’s like because he’s a veteran himself.

Bedford VA social worker Elizabeth Price and Lieutenant John Rocca found that more and more emergency calls are involving veterans and suicide, post-traumatic stress and substance abuse.

“A lot of times first responders were coming in with veterans they were encountering in the field and their reactions were quite different- they didn't always end up nicely,” said Rocca.

Price and Rocca teamed up to create a program that bridges the gap, promotes understanding and supports veterans.

The First Responders Program educates law enforcements and EMTs on the different reactions a veteran could have and how to de-escalate a situation.

Roberts has gone through the training twice and said the program focuses on communication and connecting a veteran to the appropriate resources.

“Taking our time, slowing the situation down, giving a veteran the space and the time they need to open to us. understanding the situation and crisis they're going through,” said Roberts.

To date, more than 2,000 local first responders have been through the program, including about 400 veterans. The program is being rolled out over eight New England VA locations and is expected to rollout nationwide soon.

Roberts said he hopes every first responder the opportunity to go through the program.

“I think this program has the opportunity to save lives,” he said.

RESOURCES FOR VETERANS:

Transition assistance and services for returning veterans
VA suicide prevention resources and information

Cox Media Group