A catalyst for change: ASIST for workers on the frontlines
Posted March 28th, 2025
Written by: Signe Eriksen
A transportation agency in the Lower Mainland has partnered with the Crisis Centre to train employees with our two-day ASIST workshop. The aim is to provide workers with the skills and training to handle difficult situations that arise while on the job, as well as identifying and giving them the support necessary to process any emotions or past traumas. The partnership has proved so successful, that after running several ASIST sessions in late 2024, more have been scheduled and are underway in 2025.
Many who work with the public could benefit from taking a training like ASIST. It is not hard to imagine many types of frontline jobs in Vancouver that are not considered “first responders,” yet workers find themselves in situations where ASIST may serve as an incredibly beneficial tool.
We asked a spokesperson a few questions about their experience and motivations behind working with the Crisis Centre.
Can you describe your motivations behind partnering with the Crisis Centre of BC to provide this training?
At the beginning of trying to obtain applied suicide skills intervention training, I reviewed all possible opportunities from across Canada and US providers. Upon reviewing the qualifications and the local knowledge of the trainers from the Crisis Centre of BC, the decision became very evident that this was the provider who would deliver training at a high level of expertise, and would be able to adjust and pivot based on the diverse industry exposure that I was coordinating for.
What was your experience like working with the Crisis Centre and would you change anything?
From the moment that we started to work with the Crisis Centre, their attention to detail and passion shone through. The staff were thorough, detail-oriented, and always ensured that our needs were addressed. They worked to facilitate the best user experience possible. There is currently nothing that I would change regarding the staffing, logistics, customer service, or instructors.
What are the unique challenges faced by frontline workers in your industry in recognizing and responding to individuals in crisis?
While our frontline workers often respond to situations alongside fire, police, and ambulance personnel, they can sometimes be overlooked for the psychological impacts that they are exposed to. It takes a very progressive leader to be able to identify the vicarious trauma that can occur for those who are working alongside first responders who “didn’t sign up” for exposure to traumatic events. The unique challenge for this workforce is that they are continually exposed to the area which the trauma originated resulting in a higher likelihood of reliving the traumatic event. The key is to aid our staff in processing the emotions and feelings and get all the support they need.
How do you feel it will impact Lower Mainland communities to have your staff trained in the skills that ASIST teaches?
The worth of having trained personnel in various areas of the community in which we serve is invaluable. Knowing that if a person is in crisis, we have the resources, the aptitude, and the willingness to help those in our community. The intrinsic rewards to each of our staff knowing they can help someone in need is invaluable.
How has the training impacted your employees? Have you noticed any changes?
The training has positively impacted our staff on many levels. We have had members of our staff already utilize the ASIST skill sets they learned in the classroom and have applied it in the field. Additionally, it has brought to light that we have staff who have not yet processed unresolved traumas associated with past experiences. This has given us the opportunity to assist them in getting the resources and the supports they need, though later than they realized, and now even more valuable to process.
Has anything surprised you about how your staff has responded to having to take training related to suicide and suicide prevention?
Initially I was skeptical about some of our “old school” mentality of employees adopting this new and open way to communicate with others about mental health and providing a positive environment in which to process crises. The uptake in our organization and the promotion of this course to their peers has been uplifting and a welcome change in the overall culture of our organization.
What are the long-term goals for this partnership and how do you envision expanding or improving the training program in the future?
Initially, the training has been focused on frontline staff that have immediate day-to-day interactions with customers; the proposed future direction is to expand this to all staff. Additionally, we are looking to have this as a mandatory prerequisite for those who are hired into a role that has the potential to be exposed to trauma or crisis events.
What advice would you give to other workplaces that serve the public, who are considering implementing similar training programs?
My advice to other workplaces that are looking to provide not only support to their staff, but to have an impact in our communities is to realize that when we want to be the catalyst for change we can be that small pebble in a pond that creates huge ripple effects In our community. I highly encourage everyone to look at this as an asset for not only your staff but those who could benefit from the outcomes of this training.
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Supporting those in crisis benefits entire communities. In times like these, where a growing number of mental health care needs remain unmet, it becomes increasingly important for everyone, including workers who interact directly with the public, to recognize when another person is in crisis, and to know how to respond. One way we can help each other and ourselves is by learning how to deal with crises in our everyday lives – even in the workplace.
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Crisis lines are available across British Columbia 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or someone you know needs help, please call:
- 9-8-8 (call or text)
- 310-6789 (no area code needed)
- 1-800-SUICIDE / 1-800-784-2433
- 604-872-3311
If you are interested in learning suicide prevention skills, you can:
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