Livingston County first responders received mental health first aid training

Leicester, New York – On Saturday afternoon, Livingston County first responders had a learning day.
Since first responders often deal with stressful and life-threatening situations, the Cuylerville fire department hosted a mental health first aid course to help teach them how to take care of their mental health.

The training also covered how to recognize those who are struggling with mental health issues and how to provide them with effective support.

Joseph Semmel, the assistant fire chief for the Cuylerville fire department, stated, “You never know what you are going into.” “You can enter a home and be unaware of the struggles that the occupants are facing. Therefore, it only aids in identifying the problem and determining how best to assist them going forward.

Jennifer Johnson, the EMS captain for the Cuylerville Fire Department, stated, “I think it’s really important for everybody, including our community, to be able to spot something and help them out,” given the growth in mental health crises.

According to the group, they expect that in the years to come, the training can be expanded even more.