What is a Peer Support Team?
Peer Support Team: Supporting Our First Responders
A Peer Support Team provides vital psychological and emotional support to emergency service personnel through trained colleagues who understand the unique challenges of the field. Working alongside mental health professionals, these dedicated team members offer confidential support through various channels, including one-on-one discussions, pre-incident education, and crisis intervention.
Peer Support Team Mission
Provide comprehensive support through:
- Pre-incident education and stress management training
- Spousal and family support services
- On-scene support and crisis intervention
- Post-incident debriefing
- Confidential one-on-one peer counseling
Why Peer Support Matters
Emergency service personnel face unique challenges that can affect both their personal and professional lives. A Peer Support Team creates a trusted support system that:
- Fosters physical, emotional, and social wellbeing
- Provides immediate access to understanding colleagues
- Connects personnel with professional resources when needed
- Creates a culture of support and resilience
The Team Structure
A Peer Support Team consists of carefully selected and specially trained department members who work under the guidance of:
- An Administrative Coordinator who oversees program operations
- A Clinical Consultant who provides professional mental health expertise
- A Team Leader who manages daily operations
- Trained Peer Support Team Members who provide direct support
Confidentiality Commitment
Trust is the foundation of a Peer Support Team. You must maintain strict confidentiality protocols to ensure that personnel feel safe seeking help. All conversations remain private, with exceptions only in cases where there is:
- Risk of harm to self or others
- Suspected abuse of children or elderly
- Legal issues affecting employment
- Other circumstances required by law
Making a Difference
Peer Support Team members are chosen for their:
- Strong listening and communication skills
- Empathetic and non-judgmental approach
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Leadership qualities and positive role modeling
- Commitment to supporting colleagues
Your Peer Support Team should help you build a stronger, more resilient emergency service organization.
Sample Peer Support Templates & Policies
Resources & Documents
Download free Peer Support Team documents to help establish or enhance your program. If your department has resources they would like to share with the community to help other organizations, please contact us to share them.
Action Plan Worksheet
Summary: A structured worksheet that guides team members through a 10-step process for addressing and resolving issues. This tool helps identify problems, explore options, create action plans, and evaluate outcomes.
[Download Action Plan Worksheet]
Team Member Agreement
Summary: A formal document outlining the commitments and obligations of Peer Support Team members, including confidentiality requirements, training expectations, and communication standards. This two-year commitment agreement ensures all team members understand their responsibilities.
[Download Team Member Agreement]
Letter of Intent
Summary: Similar to the Team Member Agreement, this document serves as an initial commitment statement for prospective team members, detailing the core responsibilities and expectations of the role. It should be submitted prior to receiving a Team Member Application.
[Download Letter of Intent]
Team Member Application
Summary: A comprehensive application form for potential team members that captures essential information about their experience, motivation, and qualifications. Includes questions about critical incident experience and availability for crisis response.
[Download Team Member Application]
Sample Policy Manual
Summary: A detailed manual covering all aspects of the Peer Support Team program, including mission statement, team composition, confidentiality protocols, recruitment procedures, training requirements, and operational guidelines. This document serves as the foundation for establishing and maintaining a successful peer support program.
[Download Sample Policy Manual]
Note: All documents are customizable templates. Replace [YOUR ORGANIZATION] with your agency’s name and adjust content to align with your specific needs and requirements.
Important Disclaimers About Resources on This Page
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.