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    Crisis Response

    Systems and Models of Care

    MP6 - Increasing Preparedness for Violent Critical Incidents: A Case Study of Community Behavioral Health Staff

    Monday, May 5, 2025
    11:45 AM - 12:15 PM ET
    Location: Exhibit Hall

    Unrestricted Education Sponsor 
    Compass Health Network implemented in-person active assailant (Violent Critical Incident VCI) training with the aim of better equipping staff for such events, should they ever occur. Given the pressing reality of gun violence, organizations should pay attention to and prioritize creating a safe working environment. However, a challenge many organizations face is: How do we train staff to be prepared without instilling paranoia? This presentation will examine what aspects of the training enhanced preparedness and identify barriers that hindered improvement, offering actionable insights for enhancing VCI training programs in community behavioral health settings.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Identify the reasons staff cited for changes in their preparedness levels following active assailant training.
    • Understand the importance of improving self-efficacy for the potential survival of staff during violent critical incidents.
    • Describe the components of active assailant training that aim to boost the self-confidence and preparedness of community behavioral healthcare staff.