Resiliency Training

Pre-course Content

• Participants are required to complete an individual resiliency assessment through the registration process online, which consists of the two assessment questionnaires listed below. Assessment results are explored in the classroom training:
  • The Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS)
  • The Connor Davidson Resiliency Scale (CD-RISC)

• Participants are asked to watch a one-hour video series, which provides an overview of classroom training and an introduction to the concept of organizational resiliency. Anyone can view the IAFF Resiliency Training video overview – registration for the in-person class is not required.

Scheduling

The eight-hour training can be scheduled for any weekday beginning at 8:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. Weekend training requests will be considered. The IAFF strives to accommodate requested training dates based on instructor availability. To ensure enough lead time for preparations, please request dates at least three months in advance.

To schedule the IAFF Resiliency Training for your local or department, complete the IAFF Resilency Training Request Form and email it to [email protected].

Host Site Responsibilities

Any IAFF-affiliated department can serve as a host site.

Host responsibilities:

• Arrange for training space with tables to seat a minimum of 40 people and an instructor’s table at the front of the room. The room must be free of distractions and at a comfortable temperature.
• Supply training equipment, including LCD projector, screen, computer, sound, dry erase board or flip chart and markers.
• Sign a contract with the IAFF and pay the full training fee in advance.
• Identify one person to serve as the point of contact (POC). This person secures a training space, navigates the contract-signing process, handles registration, communicates with participants and oversees other logistics.
• Suggest lunch options so that participants can finish lunch within the one-hour break each day.

IAFF Responsibilities:

• Provide a one-day training on resiliency in the fire service
• Arrange for two instructors to deliver the training and pay all instructor-related expenses (e.g., travel, hotel).
• Provide guidance on meeting logistics.
• Supply and ship student manuals and handouts to registered participants.
• Provide the host a customized announcement of the IAFF Resiliency Training date, location, time and point of contact.
• Provide access to pre-course materials, to include the IAFF Resiliency Training overview video series.
• Send course completion certifications to participant.

Attendees

Fire service personnel of any rank and position – active or retired – may participate in the training. In addition, host sites may choose to invite other relevant community members (e.g., EAP, local behavioral health providers, chaplains, researchers) to expose these non-fire personnel to fire fighter and EMS wellness training.

Certificates will be awarded once the participant completes the final online training evaluation.

For additional information, contact [email protected].

Find a Training

Trainings are hosted by an IAFF local or affiliated fire department. Because host sites typically choose to limit attendance to their own IAFF local or neighboring departments, the upcoming training schedule is not posted online.

Occasionally, a host site has space available for outside participants. The IAFF maintains a list of those who have expressed interest in learning when class openings occur. When this occurs, notification is typically sent to the list within a few weeks of the training date.

Individuals who want to participate in the training at another host site must (1) obtain the approval of their local president; (2) register and communicate directly with the host point of contact; and (3) be responsible for travel expenses and any registration fee charged by the host.

Sign up to be placed on the IAFF Resiliency Support Training Contact List.

If your local or department is interested in hosting training, please complete the IAFF Resilency Training Request Form and email it to [email protected]. 

Become an Instructor

The IAFF Resiliency Training is delivered by master IAFF peer support instructors. You must serve as an IAFF peer support instructor before becoming an IAFF resiliency instructor. Master peer support instructors are appointed by the General President.

The IAFF accepts applications to become a peer support training instructor on a rolling basis, but may not expand its instructor roster every year.

For qualifications and requirements, see the Peer Support Training Program Instructor Application.