Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. -- Offutt’s Chaplain Corps conducted a suicide prevention class using the Applied Suicide Intervention Training inside the Capehart Chapel Feb. 28, 2020.
The ASIST was established by Living Works in 1983 to help prevent suicides.
In 2019, 137 suicides occurred across active duty, guard and reserve in the U.S. Air Force. This is a 33 percent increase over the previous year.
“We all need to get involved in this problem across the Air Force and across our country,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Kevin Humphrey, 55th Wing head chaplain. “We are doing that by empowering people and giving them the skill set to feel comfortable about being on the front lines of this problem so they can engage and make a difference themselves.”
The training is a two-day workshop featuring audiovisuals, discussions and simulations. This course aids individuals in preventing suicide by becoming aware of signs, developing skills for prevention and coming up with a safety plan.
“This training not only teaches to intervene in the way of suicide, but also enhances emotional intelligence,” Humphrey said. “This helps Airman see when any issue is bothering another airman but also gives a framework on how to talk about any difficult issues.”
This training course is open to frontline supervisors and to those who are a part of the care team.
“I learned that you do not have to be the one to solve the individual's issues, you just have to listen to their story, feel their pain and get them safe for right now,” said Master Sgt. Jason Bernal, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron mission systems section chief. “Other suicide training talks about ask, care and escort but ASIST shows who how to actually do that and gives you opportunities to practice these principles.”
While practicing the principles these supervisors and care team members learned in class, they were able to leave there with the knowledge and a plan to help others who are in dark times.
“I feel like this is the one suicide intervention training I have received from the Air Force that actually makes me feel prepared and comfortable when dealing with this type of situation,” said Staff Sgt. Ismael Bonilla-Tanon, 97th Intelligence Squadron assistant NCO in charge. “I learned how to engage with someone who is having suicidal ideations and beyond that, how to properly go about keeping them safe and get them the necessary help.”
Since the first training class, these skills are already helping individuals who have participated.
“In our first class we have already had two suicide interventions from our class and one direct referral to us,” Humphrey said. “It has been amazing to see our class already putting this into practice, we empowered them to make a difference and they are already doing it. I love it.
”The last available class for ASIST is March 26-27 at the Capehart Chapel. To register for this class individuals can call 294-6244 or send an email to 55WG.hc.channel@us.af.mil.