41 members of the Georgian penitentiary staff (nurses, social workers, psychologists and mediators) improved their knowledge and practical skills on basic life support and first aid in case of suicide attempt and self-harm and how to manage mental health crisis in penitentiary settings, through participating in the respective training sessions organised by the Council of Europe on 16-18 and 19-21 December 2022.

The participants became better acquainted with the signs of an acute crisis, psychotic and non-psychotic manifestations, and with identification of psychotic disorders caused by various reasons, including those caused by psychoactive substances, as well as with the features of crisis in case of vulnerable groups (adolescents and women). The participants also tested their practical skills in rescuing adults by applying hands on CPR and correct automated external defibrillator placement.

First aid in case of suicide attempt and self-harm has been identified as a vital component of managing acute mental health crisis in penitentiary institutions, whereas the ability of the staff working in prison has a decisive role in identifying and managing such high-risk situations.

This training was conducted under the auspices of the Council of Europe project “Enhancing Healthcare Provision in Georgia’s Penitentiary System”, which is a part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2020-2023.