General Disclaimer

This website is NOT a substitute for professional help. This website serves as an informal idea-sharing space only and:

  • Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
  • Cannot replace professional mental health services
  • Is not an emergency response resource
  • Does not create any professional or therapeutic relationship
  • Should not be used in crisis situations

If you’re experiencing a crisis or need professional support:

  • Call or text 988 for immediate crisis support
  • Contact your department’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Reach out to your healthcare provider
  • Call 911 in emergencies

Emergency Notice

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or if you are concerned about your immediate safety or the safety of others, please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. This website is not a substitute for emergency care.

Purpose of Website

This website provides general information and resources about mental health for first responders. The content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Not a Substitute for Professional Care

The information provided on this website does not replace professional medical or psychological evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. No provider-patient relationship is created by using this website or accessing its resources. This website should not be used in place of consultation with qualified mental health professionals. Users should always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers with questions regarding their specific mental health needs

Confidentiality Notice

While we maintain high standards of privacy and security, no website can guarantee absolute confidentiality. Users should:

  • Exercise caution when sharing personal information
  • Be aware that electronic communications may not be secure
  • Understand that certain legal and professional obligations may require the reporting of information that suggests immediate risk of harm

Professional Support Recommendations

We strongly encourage first responders to:

  • Maintain regular contact with department-provided mental health professionals
  • Utilize employee assistance programs (EAP) when available
  • Seek support through peer support programs within their departments or other local agencies
  • Consult with licensed mental health professionals who specialize in treating first responders

Trigger Warning

Content on this website may include descriptions of:

  • Traumatic events
  • Mental health challenges
  • Crisis situations
  • Job-related stress and trauma

Users should exercise personal judgment when accessing content that may be triggering.

Accuracy and Updates

Information is reviewed regularly but may not reflect the most current research. Medical knowledge and best practices evolve continuously. Resources and contact information may change without notice. Users should verify critical information independently.

Organizational Policies

This website does not supersede:

  • Your Department’s policies and procedures
  • Professional codes of conduct
  • Legal obligations
  • Chain of command protocols

Users must continue to follow their organization’s established protocols for mental health support and crisis intervention.

Liability Disclaimer

The creators and operators of this website assume no responsibility for consequences of using the information provided. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of these terms. This website is not responsible for content on linked external sites. Users assume all risks associated with the use of this website and its resources.

Cultural and Regional Considerations

Mental health resources and approaches may vary by region and jurisdiction. Not all services mentioned may be available in all areas. Users should consult local resources and cultural-specific support services when appropriate.

Emergency Contact Information

Users should maintain ready access to:

  • Their department’s emergency protocols
  • Local crisis intervention teams
  • Department chaplain or peer support contacts
  • Employee assistance program contact information
  • Local emergency mental health services

Disclaimer of Endorsement

Reference to any specific product, service, process, or method by trade name, trademark, service name, manufacturer or otherwise on this web site does not constitute an implied or expressed recommendation or endorsement, or favoring by Unpack the Bag, its employees, officers or members, or volunteers, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Certain links on this site lead to information and resources on servers maintained by third parties, and are provided as a convenience to our website visitors. Unpack the Bag, its employees, officers and members, and volunteers, have no control over these outside sites and are, therefore, not responsible or legally liable for their content.

Inclusion of any outside site does not imply an endorsement of the site, or information contained therein, by Unpack the Bag, its employees, officers or members, or volunteers.

Peer Support Team Documents Disclaimers

Origin of Documents

The documents provided here represent a compilation of best practices from various established Peer Support Programs across multiple agencies. They have been carefully consolidated and modified to create agency-neutral templates that can be customized for your organization’s specific needs.

Accuracy and Usage

While we strive to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of these documents, please note:

  • These materials are provided as templates and general guidance only
  • All documents should be reviewed and modified to comply with your specific agency’s policies, procedures, and applicable state laws
  • The content has been generalized from various sources and may need significant customization for your jurisdiction
  • Legal requirements regarding peer support programs vary by state and jurisdiction

Legal Notice

The information, materials, and documents provided are not intended to be, and should not be considered as, legal, medical, or mental health advice. Any reliance on these materials is at your own discretion and risk.

Recommendations for Implementation

Before implementing these documents, we strongly recommend:

  • Consulting with your organization’s legal counsel
  • Reviewing your state’s specific laws regarding peer support programs and confidentiality
  • Adapting all materials to align with your organization’s policies and procedures
  • Seeking professional guidance for medical and mental health-related aspects of your program

State-Specific Considerations

Laws regarding peer support programs, including confidentiality protections and program requirements, vary significantly by state. The sample policy manual references specific state laws (Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas) as examples only. You must research and incorporate the relevant laws for your jurisdiction.

Professional Consultation

For optimal implementation of a Peer Support Program, we recommend consulting with:

  • Legal counsel familiar with your state’s peer support laws
  • Mental health professionals experienced in emergency services
  • Human resources professionals
  • Risk management specialists

The information and documents provided here are offered in good faith but should not be considered exhaustive or universally applicable. Each organization must evaluate and modify these materials to ensure compliance with their specific needs and legal requirements.

Copyright Notice

Our mission is to support and strengthen Peer Support Programs by sharing resources within the emergency services community. The documents provided on this website have been gathered and adapted from various agencies’ publicly shared materials, with the goal of creating accessible, standardized templates for organizations developing their own programs.

Copyright Concerns

If you believe any documents provided on this site infringe upon copyrighted materials you own:

  • Please contact us with details of the potential copyright violation
    – Include specific information about the document(s) in question
    – Provide proof of copyright ownership
    – We will promptly review your claim and remove any materials that violate established copyrights

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

  • Respecting intellectual property rights
  • Properly vetting shared materials
  • Responding promptly to copyright concerns
  • Supporting the emergency services community through ethical resource sharing

Contact us regarding any copyright concerns.

Our goal is to facilitate the sharing of valuable resources while respecting intellectual property rights. We appreciate your support in maintaining these standards.