Public safety personnel (PSP) encounter both organizational and operational stressors, including potentially psychologically traumatic events, which increase their risk for compromised mental health. Due to unique cultural complexities, they often turn to peers for early psychosocial support. However, since appropriate assistance is not always available or accessible, PSP may suffer. Improving accessibility to crisis intervention will improve PSP resilience, well-being, and effective functioning. Family members and close friends are ideally placed to provide this immediate care. In the current chapter, we outline the protective role of social support as an early intervention strategy to mitigate vicarious trauma. In addition, we explore the potential for family members/friends to play an increasingly supportive role in their loved one’s well-being. We also call for practical educational interventions to prepare family members for these critical conversations, while encouraging self-care. Further research should investigate how best to break down barriers to support by bolstering existing social supports and ultimately reducing help-seeking stigma. Doing so will ensure friends and family are prepared to help their PSP, family units will benefit from increased loved one wellness, and organizations will benefit from a healthier labour force.
View the chapter information here: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003424253-19/family-first-michelle-toole-alan-batt-walter-eppich-brett-williams