First Responder QPR Instructor Course

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) funds evidence-based Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Instructor training for Ohio first responder agencies. It is prudent to provide all first responders with the education and training necessary to become aware of the warning signs, risk factors, and situations that may cause someone to have suicidal thoughts.

The skills and techniques used in suicide prevention can apply to the public, coworkers, family, and friends. Suicide and suicidal ideation can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, race, rank, etc. Everyone plays a role in suicide prevention. You do not have to be a mental health professional to save a life. Most of the time, it is not a mental health professional that a suicidal person expresses their thoughts and feelings to first—it is a friend, colleague, or family member. This project aims to equip key first responder personnel with the confidence and competence needed to initiate conversations about suicide with colleagues, instill hope, and refer at-risk colleagues to appropriate mental and behavioral health resources.

Registration Deadline: March 14, 2023

Additional Training:

Participants will be required to complete two hours of prerequisite training.

• After the Registration Deadline has passed, participants will receive an email from the QPR Institute with the detailed steps of this process.

Limitations: Your certification only allows you to present community Gatekeeper training. Certification does not include the right to train others to become Gatekeeper Instructors.

Attendees must be one of the following categories:

1. Law Enforcement
2. Firefighter
3. EMS
4. Dispatcher

Attendees must be a resident of Ohio.

This FREE educational opportunity is brought to you by generous contributions from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Questions/General Information:
Jason Hughes
Program Manager | Veteran Liaison
Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
jason.hughes@ohiospf.org