Standard Mental Health First Aid Course

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course delivered by First Aid and Fire Pty Ltd equips participants with the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to recognise and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. This evidence-based program teaches participants how to identify early warning signs, provide initial support using the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE), respond to crisis situations such as panic attacks or suicidal thoughts, and guide a person toward appropriate professional help. Designed for workplaces, educators, community leaders, and frontline teams, this course strengthens psychological safety, reduces stigma, and builds more supportive environments. During the course, you learn how to: Recognise the signs and symptoms Identify early warning signs of common mental health conditions such as: • Depression • Anxiety disorders • Psychosis • Substance use problems Respond using a structured action plan (ALGEE) You are trained to apply the MHFA Action Plan: • Approach, assess and assist with any crisis • Listen non-judgmentally • Give support and information • Encourage appropriate professional help • Encourage other supports Manage mental health crises Develop skills to respond safely and appropriately to situations such as: • Panic attacks • Suicidal thoughts and behaviours • Severe distress • Aggressive behaviour • Effects of alcohol or drug misuse Support recovery and reduce stigma Learn how to have supportive conversations, maintain boundaries, and help create psychologically safe workplaces and communities. MHFA does not train you to be a counsellor or therapist. Instead, it teaches you how to provide initial support until appropriate professional help is received — much like physical first aid supports someone until medical care arrives. Our sessions are delivered in a professional, welcoming training environment with full catering provided throughout the course and plenty of convenient off-street parking, ensuring a comfortable and seamless learning experience from arrival to completion. At First Aid and Fire, we are committed to empowering everyday heroes — not only in physical emergencies, but in mental health situations where timely support can make a life-changing difference.