In Australia, the public and professionals are equipped with standardised, evidence-based frameworks for responding to a physical health crisis, such as DRSABCD (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation). Our hospitals use the "Between the Flags" system to detect and respond to physical clinical deterioration, and clinicians are trained to assess, monitor, and provide interventions using physical health parameters (vital signs). Additionally, clinicians are trained to provide standardised education frameworks to build the capacity of parents to support a young person’s care (e.g. asthma management plans, diabetes carbohydrate exchanges). However, there is no widely adopted, national framework for an in-the-moment assessment and response to psychological distress or suicidal behaviour. Furthermore, clinicians across settings and services provide inconsistent and often contradictory education to parents on how to support their child in times of acute distress. There is a gap in policy, education, and practice for Australian children when it comes to psychological wellbeing that is not present for physical health care.
The Coach 2 Cope programs, and TAR3 model and tech tools, have been developed by combining the translation of PhD research findings with real-world clinical experience working with young people and families experiencing acute psychological distress, and associated suicidal behaviours. The core of the program is to empower individuals to be effective "responders," building capacity within the community to create brighter futures through united and knowledgeable action.
EquiEnergy Youth's Coach 2 Cope programs, provide a clear, five-step psychological first aid framework, the TAR3 (Trigger, Action, Response, Reaction, Resolution) model, and its associated tech tools, TAR3 Collaborate (web-based portal) and TAR3 Connect (App). The presentation will outline how these tools can standardise the detection, response, and management of psychological distress, creating a consistent "language" for suicide prevention across various settings.
The presentation will provide an overview of the Coach 2 Cope program implementation across sectors and settings, and a demonstration of the TAR3 psychological first aid model and TAR3 Collaborate and TAR3 Connect digital tools. Presentation of data on the program's effectiveness in improving clinician’s knowledge, confidence, and response capacity to young people in psychological distress will be provided. The presentation will demonstrate a novel, evidence-based solution to a critical gap in Australia's current suicide prevention landscape.