What Is Peer Support and Why It Matters

Surviving Your Shift, Building Peer Support

What is peer support—and why does it matter so much in high-stress jobs? In this episode, you’ll learn how it works, what it’s not, and why it’s saving lives on the front lines.

Ever wonder what peer support actually is—and why it seems like everyone’s talking about it lately?

Too many departments are using the term without really knowing what it means—or how to make it work. Worse, some well-meaning programs fail because they weren’t clearly defined or supported.

And if you’re thinking of starting a team—or you already have one that feels stuck—there’s a good chance the problem isn’t the people. It’s the lack of clarity, training, or purpose.

In this episode, I break down what peer support is, what it isn’t, and why it matters more than ever for first responders, medical professionals, and anyone working in a high-stress profession.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• What peer support is—and why it’s not the same as being a good friend
• The difference between Crisis Intervention Peer Support (CISM) and Comprehensive Peer Support
• The practical steps to build or improve a peer support program that actually helps

Whether you’re just getting started or trying to level up your existing team, this episode gives you a roadmap to do it right.

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Citations:

Jessica N. Jeruzal, Lori L. Boland, Monica S. Frazer, Jonathan W. Kamrud, Russell N. Myers, Charles J. Lick & Andrew C. Stevens (2018): Emergency Medical Services Provider Perspectives on Pediatric Calls: A Qualitative Study, Prehospital Emergency Care, DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2018.1551450

(2025, May 7). A Qualitative Study on the Design and Implementation of a First Responder Operational Stress Injury Clinic. PubMed Central. Retrieved August 2, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12059418

(ND). A Day Like No Other: A Case Study of the Las Vegas Mass Shooting. New Mexico Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management. Retrieved August 2, 2025, from

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Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building