Just as knowing how to give physical first aid to a person is an important skill, so is the ability to provide mental health first aid. Sault Area Hospital has seen the need for its staff to have this knowledge. “Mental Health and Addictions now has a certified first aid mentor for mental health and introductory training has been provided to MH&A family and patient counselors,” said Ila Watson, SAH President and CEO, in her monthly board report. hospital earlier this week. “First aid for mental health is the help provided to a person who develops a mental health problem, is facing the aggravation of an existing mental health problem or is in a mental health crisis. “Just as first aid is provided until medical treatment is received, so the MHFA is provided until appropriate support is found or the crisis is resolved,” the Canadian Mental Health Commission said on its website. Current SAH staff members will have the opportunity to attend classes at Mental Health First Air. “The Mental Health First Aid Instructor is not a new staff position. A current member of the Outpatient Mental Health Nursing Team has undergone several months of training to become a Mental Health First Aid instructor. “Mental Health First Aid courses will be provided to our staff, doctors and volunteers over the next year,” said Brandy Sharp Young, SAH spokesman, in an email. “The course will provide training to our employees so that they can provide support to any person who may be experiencing a decline in mental well-being or a mental health crisis. “The course is offered to support the wider community,” said Sharp Young. “The Mental Health First Aid program is comparable to training in Standard First Aid. It is a course that everyone is encouraged to take similar to CPR or standard First Aid training. The ability to offer the Mental Health First Aid course to our staff, doctors and volunteers enables SAH to support the Mental Health First Aid Canada with their vision of “Every Canadian has access to effective mental health”. first aid, “said Sharp Young. The Mental Health Commission of Canada reports that large companies such as WestJet, Husky Energy, Hydro One and Loblaw have recognized the need for good mental health among their employees. The committee’s training includes reducing the stigma surrounding mental health problems, realizing that one in five people will have a mental health problem this year, raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems, and knowing what to say. when meeting someone with mental health problems.
