First responders' experiences and training needs at the scene of a suspected suicide in Ireland: A mixed methods study

Background

First responders are categorised as those who are the first to respond to emergency calls and attend the site of an emergency. They include, but are not limited to police, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, and water safety personnel. First responders play a critical role in suicide postvention, supporting those bereaved by suicide and preventing adverse outcomes. However, many responders feel uncertain about how to effectively support those bereaved by suicide and often lack formal postvention training. This study aimed to explore and understand the experiences and training needs of first responders when attending the scene of a suspected suicide.