(A65) Stress & Trauma Studies Program (STSP): Theoretical & Practical Emergency Mental Health Interventions Studies for BA Social Work Students

Abstract

The Tel Hai college Department of Social Work established this program as part of its community commitment to ensure that persons with skills in emergency mental health / trauma intervention will be available to the community as first responders when needed. The main goal of the STSP: Training Social work students As First Responders with Very High Professional Standards of Emergency as well as Long Term Mental Health Interventions Qualifications. This program enables the students to integrate between theory and hands-on basic and advanced skills in stress & trauma interventions – from the help to a single traumatized person to mass disasters involving more complex interventions. In addition, program underlines and empowers the students self efficacy and resilience. The studies are carried out in 4 main channels: A. Academic studies and advanced professional workshops. B. Outdoor drills with other help and rescue units: MDA (EMS), IDF, Police, Israel fire and rescue services, local and national rescue units) C. Volunteering in community trauma / first responder units D. Emergency mental health interventions during real time events (Last one: Emergency interventions among the evacuated families during the mount Carmel bushfire) Student's Skills Acquired During the STSP • Theoretical & practical knowledge of the stress & trauma development process. • Differentional diagnosis of the trauma stages (From ASR to C-PTSD). • Identifying all sources of resilience and coping strategies. • Basic & advanced crisis and disaster intervention methods. • Crisis & disaster management & command • Professional self confidence, Independency & Creativity, leadership and leading capabilities. The program, its benefits and latest drills and real time intervention will be discussed as well as demonstrated with videos.