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OBJECTIVE: A Mental Health Task Force (MHTF) was implemented in 2016 by a collegiate-based emergency medical services (CBEMS) organization to (1) improve mental health emergency response and to (2) address concerns for the mental health of CBEMS providers.PARTICIPANTS: Skidmore College EMS is a Basic Life Support First Response service staffed by volunteer undergraduate students.
METHODS: In coordination with faculty and staff, students in the MHTF developed trainings, peer support structures, community events, policies, and informational resources.
RESULTS: Sixteen students joined the MHTF within 1 year. Over 35 Skidmore College EMS members received training on mental health emergency response, peer-support, and self-care. Debriefing programs, mindfulness-based events, shift-length limitations, and access to informational resources promoted the mental health of Skidmore College EMS members.
CONCLUSIONS: Implementing an MHTF is an innovative, student-led approach to coupling education on emergency response with programming that supports the mental health of CBEMS providers.