Q
Question
Ask the person directly and clearly about suicide. Asking does not plant the idea — it opens the door to help.
Suicide Prevention For First Responders
QPR — Question. Persuade. Refer.
QPR is an emergency mental-health intervention for people in suicidal crisis. Three simple steps, taught the same way CPR is taught — so any responder, dispatcher, chaplain, or peer can step in when it matters most.
If you or a fellow responder is in crisis: Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
What Is QPR?
The CPR of suicide prevention.
QPR was developed in 1995 as an emergency mental-health intervention — modeled on CPR. The goal is the same: recognize the warning signs of crisis, interrupt it, and connect the person to the right care.
Anyone can learn QPR in as little as one hour. For first responders, that hour can translate directly into saved lives — among the public we serve, among our coworkers, and inside our own families.
QPR is the model of instruction widely accepted by public safety agencies to fulfill annual wellness training credentials. For agencies with CISM teams, CIT programs, civilian mental wellness coordinators, or chaplains, our class issues a Certificate of Course Completion for each attendee’s training file — documenting credentialed training in their role as a peer counselor, CIT officer, chaplain, wellness coordinator, or supervisor.
“Often the simple offering of hope and social support can avert a suicide attempt entirely.”
The Three Steps
Three steps, any responder can learn them.
P
Persuade
Listen without judgment. Offer hope. Persuade them to stay safe and accept help, today.
R
Refer
Connect them to a trusted resource — 988, a peer support team, a clinician, a chaplain, or your agency's EAP.
Know The Signs
Warning signs to watch for in the responder community.
First responders often hide pain behind the uniform. These are signs worth paying attention to in yourself, a partner, or a member of your crew.
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to end the pain
- Expressing hopelessness or being a burden
- Withdrawing from family, partners, or shift mates
- Sudden mood shifts — including unusual calm after a low
- Increased alcohol or substance use
- Giving away prized possessions or putting affairs in order
- Securing or talking about lethal means
- Reckless behavior on or off duty
A Chain Of Survival
Each link strengthens the next.
Just as cardiac care depends on early CPR, AED, and advanced life support working together, suicide prevention depends on a chain of timely action.
1
Early Recognition
Notice the warning signs early — in yourself, a partner, or a crew member.
2
Early QPR
Question, persuade, refer. Open the conversation that may lead to help.
3
Early Intervention
Connect to local resources or 988 for evaluation and follow-up.
4
Advanced Care
Like any illness, early treatment leads to better outcomes.
Watch & Learn
Trusted videos for the responder community.
Curated video libraries from federal partners in first responder wellness and suicide prevention. Each opens on the source’s own site so you always see the most current content.
988 Lifeline
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Official Video Library
PSAs and short-form videos explaining how the Lifeline works, who answers, and what callers can expect.
Watch on 988 Lifeline CDC NIOSH
CDC NIOSH — Emergency Responder Health & Wellness
Federal guidance and video resources on mental health, stress, and trauma in the responder community.
Watch on CDC NIOSH SAMHSA
SAMHSA — Disaster Behavioral Health for First Responders
Briefings and trainings on stress, resilience, and supporting fellow responders before, during, and after critical incidents.
Watch on SAMHSATrusted Resources
Where to turn — for yourself, your crew, your family.
Curated federal, state, and responder-focused resources. If you’re unsure where to start, call or text 988 first.
Crisis & Federal Resources
First Responder Specific
- SAMHSA — First Responders Toolkit
Behavioral-health concerns and trauma response.
- CDC NIOSH — Emergency Responder Health
Health and safety guidance for emergency responders.
- Fire/EMS Helpline (NVFC Share The Load)
1-888-731-FIRE — confidential support for fire and EMS.
- COPLINE
1-800-267-5463 — 24/7 officer-staffed support line for law enforcement.
Train Your Team
Make QPR part of your agency’s wellness culture.
PTG’s flagship class blends peer-informed wellness training with certified QPR suicide prevention education — built specifically for first responders.