Introduction

The Tourist Safety Institute develops programs and training for personnel connected to the tourism and hospitality industry including first responders, and hospitality workers, healthcare professionals. For example, researchers are already conducting a mindfulness-based resilience training program for the Nevada State Police.

Mindfulness Training Program

The TSI has developed a mindfulness-based resilience intervention that focuses on improving the well-being and operational performance of individuals by reducing stress and enhancing resilience against the demands of their occupation, both professionally and personally. Resilience training is frequently used by military personnel, athletes, medical doctors, business people, and other populations to improve job performance, including tasks which require high levels of attention and focus in dynamic environments, or other physical demands.

The content of the program includes attention control practices and stress reduction techniques based on mindfulness, as well as interpersonal relationship strategies. The resilience training is provided in an 8-week program, consisting of 90-minute sessions once a week. There are two additional sessions for orientation and program conclusion.

Eligibility

The program is open to all state and local law enforcement officers within the Las Vegas area and State of Nevada, and Nevada Department of Public Safety, as well as federal law enforcement officers.

Cost

Participation in the program is free to emergency responders.

Resilience Training Benefits

  • Greater situational awareness, performance under pressure, and problem solving to deescalate stressful situations. 
  • Improved professional and personal relationships
  • Lowered blood-pressure
  • Improved sleep
  • Reduction in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and occupational burnout symptoms, common in law enforcement, as well as other emergency responders, military, and related populations.

Narcan Training Program

Ann-Pyng Sun (Department of Social Work) has conducted research to develop Narcan delivery training for community members. Main components of the training include education, testimonies from users, a demonstration, and providing kits.

The training will be expanded to hotel properties and their employees, stores, and other commercial entities that are located in high-risk areas. A booklet will also be developed and distributed to NARCAN training participants (e.g., owners and staff of commercial entities) while providing training to them.