During this time of increased stress on our membership, it’s important to keep our peer support services not only operating but growing. I’m excited to announce that we will be offering Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention (GRIN) to interested members of Boston EMS. GRIN is the prerequisite course for anyone wishing to work on a Massachusetts Peer Support team.
The GRIN course will be February 10-13 (day shift, 8-6) at the BPPA Union Hall. The first three days will be Crisis intervention training and the final day will be QPR (suicide prevention) CISM practical and a Peer Support team overview. The overall goal is to continue our teams growth while listening to the feedback we received in March regarding representation and access to services. This will be a voluntary reassignment without overtime. Due to COVID gathering restrictions space is extremely limited. If you have taken GRIN in the past, there is no need to reapply, we will be offering the 4th day of training to any GRIN certified member looking to get involved through a team meeting (dates to follow)
We are committed to inclusion and improving access to all members of our department. We are looking to expand a diverse team in a multitude of ways, providing a peer informed, clinically guided team. A team that will insure clear pathways to services for every member of this department, specifically; EMCO/ Full operator, Paramedic, Newer EMT (less than 10 years) People of color, members of the LGBTQ community, members in recovery (with minimum 2 years sobriety) and/or members that have received services in the past.
This will not be the last offering of this class, normally we run classes of 25 but this go around will be limited. Please do not get discouraged if you’re not chosen, we will place you on a list and facilitate training through the state system or in house when the opportunity arises.
If you’re interested in this opportunity please respond to this email before 2/1/2021. Please note: if you have expressed interest in person/via text please also respond here so I have a clear list of those interested.