
March 30, 2026
11:15 AM -12:15 PM
Description: This session provides an overview of the mental health, peer support, and wellness resources available through FST5 for first responders and their families. It focuses on how to access services, what to expect, and how departments can connect members to support.
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: This event is approved for 1 Preparatory EMS CE credit through the MDHHS BETP. CE credits are NOT currently approved for Fire, Law Enforcement, Corrections, or 911 Dispatch. FST5 is actively working to expand CE approval to all frontline disciplines for future events.

March 30, 2026
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Description: This webinar explores a topic familiar to most first responders but seldom discussed: how the job gradually affects them over time. Instead of focusing on a single incident, it looks at cumulative exposure and why certain experiences linger with responders long after their shifts. The session covers why many reactions are normal, how moral conflicts and repeated exposure can impact sleep, mood, and outlook, and why many individuals feel fine until problems emerge at home or work. Through real-world examples and guided discussion, participants will learn to spot early warning signs in themselves and colleagues, understand what resilience truly entails in this profession, and discover practical methods to process difficult calls without bearing the burden alone.
Presenters: Ashley Freeman, LLMSW, EMT–B and Rebecca Klisz-Hulbert, MD.
CE Credits: EMS 1.5 Preparatory (All EMS License Levels: MFR, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic).
Total CE Credits: 1.5


Link to register:Â https://whartoncenter.evenue.net/promotions/THOWZE26
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Format: Virtual
Duration: 3 days
Dates:
➥ May 1st, 8th & 15th
➥ Aug. 5th, 6th & 7th
This 3-day course combines ALL of the content of ICISF’s Assisting Individuals in Crisis &
Group Crisis Intervention courses. Crisis Intervention is NOT psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis intervention is sometimes called “emotional first aid”. Designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum, this course will prepare participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services for both the individual and for groups. Fundamentals of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) will be outlined, and participants will leave with the knowledge and tools to provide several group crisis interventions, specifically demobilizations, defusing and the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The need for appropriate follow-up services and referrals, when necessary, will also be discussed.
| Who: | Michigan First Responders in the fields of Police, Fire, EMS, 911 Dispatch, Corrections as well as Mental Health Professionals. |
| Format: | Virtual — click the registration button below for details. |
| Cost: | Free |
| How to Join: | Click the Register button below |

Format: Video lecture / discussion
Duration: 60 minutes
This course explores how grief impacts first responders after traumatic loss, including suicide. Dr. Ali Amirsadri, Chief Medical Officer at Wayne State University’s Department of Psychiatry, joins FST5 peers to discuss emotional and physiological reactions to grief, how to identify complicated grief, and how to support peers, children, and families through loss.
Key Takeaways:
‣ Recognize signs of complicated grief
‣ Support peers and families coping with trauma
‣ Understand how suicide impacts individuals and departments
‣ Build empathy and resilience in high-stress environments
January 23, 2026
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Description: This webinar provides a clear and practical overview of the Frontline Strong Together 5 (FST5) program. Participants will learn why the program was created, what services are available, and how Michigan first responders and their immediate family members can access support at no cost. The session is designed to help EMS providers and other first responders understand how to share and integrate FST5 resources within their departments and families to support early access to help.
EMS CE credits available:Â 1.5 EMS Preparatory credits
Course contact:Â [email protected]


(Coming Soon)
Developed by experienced first responders and trauma-informed clinicians, this interactive course provides practical strategies for early intervention, peer connection, and handling acute stress reactions in the field. Participants learn to identify crisis warning signs, de-escalate emotional distress, and connect peers to professional support.
Key Takeaways:
‣ Identify and respond to signs of acute stress
‣ Apply practical peer support and listening skills
‣ Promote early intervention and psychological safety
A powerful and honest roundtable discussion focused on one of the most critical topics facing first responders today — suicide. These events bring together retired and active first responders to share real experiences, real perspectives, and real solutions in understanding and preventing this devastating tragedy — suicide, a painful reality in the lives of first responders. No filters. No judgment. Just an open, raw, and necessary conversation about the challenges we face and the paths toward healing and hope.
]]>A powerful and honest roundtable discussion focused on one of the most critical topics facing first responders today — suicide. These events bring together retired and active first responders to share real experiences, real perspectives, and real solutions in understanding and preventing this devastating tragedy — suicide, a painful reality in the lives of first responders. No filters. No judgment. Just an open, raw, and necessary conversation about the challenges we face and the paths toward healing and hope.
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