Guidelines for Establishing and Maintaining Peer Support Programs in Emergency Services

This booklet presents guidelines for establishing peer support programs based on the authors' experiences in developing such programs throughout Australia. Included are descriptions of a 5 day peer training program and references to assist in program planning. This publication will be a useful resource in the development of high quality peer support programs and in turn contribute to the health of emergency services personnel who have given so much, so often, to the communities they serve.Many advances have been made in the field of peer support since the first edition of this book. Much has been learned over the past decade on setting up psychological support programs in emergency services in Australia. Consequently, it is possible to articulate clearer guidelines than was the case originally. This second edition includes information on keeping programs going, maintaining the program's impetus, and developing the peer role. This edition also provides a more detailed account of the role of peer support in major emergencies. The section on costing and budget has been expanded as has the section on program evaluation.