Peer support FAQ. The questions people ask before they call.

Yes, and no. Nothing you say in a peer conversation or debriefing is written down, reported to your department or used in any review. The only exceptions are the same ones that apply everywhere: if you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else, or where the law requires it. We tell you that up front, every time.

No. Peer support is a conversation with someone who has done the job and has crisis-intervention training. It is practical, short term and focused on the event. However, if you need a clinician, we know ones who understand responder culture and we will make a warm hand-off.

Nothing. Every service is free for Plymouth County responders and their families. The team is volunteer and donor funded.

Then that is what happens. One-on-one peer support is the most common thing we do. Call the line and ask for a peer from your discipline.

Yes. We will talk with you and, if it makes sense, connect you with the regional team closest to you, or with the 988 Lifeline if it is urgent.

Call anyway. Old calls surface for a reason, and peers are used to hearing about them.

A defusing is a short, informal conversation held within hours of an event, often before the crew goes home. A critical incident stress debriefing is a structured group session held one to three days later, led by peers and a clinician. We recommend which one fits after you brief us.

You can require your crew to attend. However, nobody is required to speak, and we will say so in the room. Most teams find that a strong expectation from the officer, without a mandate, works best.

Only if they were on the call. Rank in the room changes what gets said, so we usually ask officers who were not on scene to step out.

A coordinator answers the phone around the clock. Defusings are typically arranged the same day, and formal debriefings within one to three days.

Absolutely. Family members call our line every week. We will listen, answer questions and help you decide what to do next.

Keep the door open without pushing. Say that you are there when they are ready, keep routines steady, and watch for sleep problems, drinking and withdrawal. Our page for families goes deeper.