Assessing the feasibility and acceptability of training first responder peer supporters in trauma risk management...

First responders experience frequent potentially traumatic events and are at elevated risk for mental health difficulties. However, formal mental health service engagement remains low. Peer support programs may be a promising way to support first responders posttrauma, but empirical research examining the implementation of evidence-based peer support programs is limited. The present study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of trauma risk management (TRiM) training within a fire service department. Participants were first responders with prior peer support experience who completed a 3-day TRiM training. Self-report surveys were administered at baseline (pretraining), after each training day, posttraining, and 2-month and 6-month follow-ups. Feasibility was evaluated descriptively using several metrics (registration, initiation, attendance, completion, noninitiation reasons, organizational/logistical considerations). Acceptability was assessed using daily ratings of training helpfulness, relevance, and anticipated influence on peer support approach. In total, 27 individuals registered, 22 initiated training, and 21 completed training. Across training days, 90.0%-94.4% of participants rated the training as highly relevant and 78.9%-85.7% as highly helpful, whereas 47.1%-61.1% anticipated substantial changes to their peer support approach. Significant pre-post improvements in perceived capability, knowledge of the referral process, ability to evaluate level of risk, and clarity regarding professional boundaries were observed, ds = 0.60-1.37. Formal TRiM procedure use was minimal at both follow-ups, indicating limited posttraining implementation. Findings suggest TRiM is both feasible and acceptable and is associated with short-term improvements in knowledge, confidence, and peer support skills. Limited long-term use of TRiM practices highlights the importance of implementation supports.