RTS2: Skills to Help Save Lives

When someone is suicidal, every interaction matters. Words, tone, body language, and listening skills. RTS2 helps responders understand what supports safety and connection and what does not, during these critical moments. This training provides an opportunity to learn new skills in a safe environment.

Introduction

Emergency services personnel are often the first to attend incidents involving someone in suicidal crisis. These moments require clarity, confidence, and compassion. Responding to Suicide 2 (RTS2) equips frontline staff with the skills, understanding, and practical tools needed to respond safely, effectively, and sensitively.

Developed by Suicide Bereavement UK, RTS2 combines evidence-informed guidance, research into the needs of emergency services, the operational expertise of an ex police officer and a mental health nurse. The training supports responders to make informed decisions, use compassionate communication, help reduce immediate risk, and understand the impact these incidents can have on their own wellbeing.

RTS2 increases confidence, strengthens practice, and ultimately helps save lives. It also supports organisations in meeting the British Standard Institute (BSI) workplace suicide prevention and postvention standard by equipping personnel with evidence- based skills for responding safely and compassionately to suicide related incidents.

Who is RTS2 For?

RTS2 is designed exclusively for operational emergency services personnel, including:

• Ambulance Services (including Air Ambulance)
• Police
• Fire & Rescue
• Civilian Investigators
• RNLI
• Coastguards
• Mountain Rescue
• River Rescue

Aims of the Training

• Equip responders with skills and confidence to support someone who is actively suicidal
• Increase confidence when in high-risk and emotionally charged situations
• Improve the quality and consistency of frontline suicide responses
• Reduce unintentional harm caused by language, tone, or body language
• Address a national gap in specialist suicide-response training
• Support the wellbeing and resilience of emergency personnel

Objectives of the Training

• Use evidence-informed communication techniques with someone who is suicidal
• Apply reflective listening and non-verbal communication that fosters calm and trust
• Recognise language or behaviours that may escalate distress
• Understand the pressures and complexities of suicide-related incidents
• Respond using trauma-informed, best-practice approaches
• Reflect on their own communication and emotional responses, prior to the training
• Apply strategies to protect their own mental health following challenging callouts

Learning Outcomes

Attendees will:

• Gain confidence using effective verbal and non-verbal communication
• Understand how their responses can offer hope and connection
• Learn practical tools that can be used immediately
• Recognise the personal impact of suicide-related callouts
• Develop strategies to protect and maintain their wellbeing
• Be equipped to respond with compassion, dignity, and care

Book Now Other Training Courses

Delivered by trainers experienced in:

• Responding to suicidal crises
• Suicide prevention and postvention

Individual Bookings

Interested in our other training courses? Click on one to find out more.

To register or enquire about RTS training please contact:
Paul Higham
Email: paul.higham@suicidebereavementuk.com
Mob: 07850 710555     Tel: 01706 827 359

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