Training provides emergency intervention skills
Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help, according to the QPR Institute website. Standing for Question, Persuade and Refer - three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide, QPR training takes about an hour and could change or save someone's life.
Not meant to replace counseling or treatment, QPR is an emergency mental health intervention that provides hope and support to get through the process after suicide warning signs are detected and help is sought, according to Catherine Treacy, Mukwonago School District social worker who will present the program with Kathy Flynn-Wene from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26 in the Mukwonago Community Library meeting room.
When Treacy first learned about the program while at a Wisconsin Suicide Prevention network conference, she was impressed with the simplicity and user-friendly qualities of QPR.
"There is a misnomer that asking someone if they are thinking about suicide puts that thought in their head," said Treacy. "It's an uncomfortable question to ask, that's why programs like QPR are important."
QPR educates individuals in what to look for if someone is considering suicide and provides tools on how to persuade people to get help. It's about working as a team, getting everyone involved to "wrap their arms around" that person.
People find it difficult to watch someone close to them struggle, yet people closest to the individual are often the ones who can help the most. They wonder how someone can get to the point of looking at suicide as an option. However, Treacy pointed out that when someone asks an individual if they are thinking about suicide, it's almost like a sense of relief for the person who is struggling to finally admit what they are going through. Denial is extremely rare, said Treacy.
"Anybody could get to that point in their life, but not everyone does," said Treacy who worked as an assessment referral specialist at Waukesha Memorial Hospital for seven years before coming to MASD 10 years ago. "It's not specific to any age group."
Those who become trained in QPR should have no liability for attempting to intervene in a suicide crisis, according to the QPR Institute, pointing to the Good Samaritan Act of 1985 as immunity from liability. Many professionals already have a duty to respond, and may not know how, the website states.
All staff members at Park View Middle School and Mukwonago High School have been QPR trained, Treacy noted, with the next focus of training expected to upper elementary teachers. However, this is not just for schools, Treacy added.
"It's like CPR. You hope you never have to use it, but at least you know it in case you do," said Treacy.
"It's very important to me … just so people don't feel like they are helpless."
QPR
What: A suicide prevention program designed to increase a person's awareness of the warning signs of suicide and empower them to save a life.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26
Where: Mukwonago Community Library meeting room.
Who: Anyone 18 or older.
Why: Help save a life from suicide with three simple steps.
Preregistration is required by calling (262) 363-6300, ext. 4
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