Update on a resilience training pilot to help volunteers process traumatic incidents
As we mark PTSD Awareness Day on 27 June, we're highlighting how a new training programme called Trauma at Sea Impact Prevention (TASIP) has been helping RNLI volunteers develop skills to process potentially traumatic incidents. The 2-hour sessions have been piloted at 20 lifeboat stations, with promising results.
This article contains references to suicide and self-harm.
Volunteers and staff at 20 lifeboat stations have been taking part in a new resilience training programme designed to help them process potentially traumatic incidents they may face during service calls.
As we mark PTSD Awareness Day on 27 June, it's important to recognise that our volunteers and staff can be exposed to challenging situations that may have lasting psychological impacts. That's why the RNLI has developed Trauma at Sea Impact Prevention (TASIP) – a proactive approach to building resilience.
TASIP is a 2-hour training session that teaches cognitive skills to effectively process difficult experiences. The programme was piloted at lifeboat stations identified as having the highest incidence of self-harm or suicide-related service calls, as well as Channel-facing stations.
Why this training matters
In 2024, there were 506 launches to suspected self-harm incidents.* Self-harm related incidents are becoming an increasingly demanding area of work for our crews to respond to.
Channel-facing stations face particular challenges due to continued small boats activity, often involving high volumes of casualties including children in significant states of distress.
How TASIP works
TASIP was adapted from TIPT (Trauma Impact Prevention Techniques), which was developed by Police Care UK and the University of Cambridge. The techniques were tested with Greater Manchester Police in a randomised controlled trial and have been used with feedback from over 2,000 officers.
The training uses non-traumatic scenarios to teach techniques, with participants encouraged to practice regularly on various experiences. This ensures volunteers become comfortable using the techniques and are more likely to use them naturally when needed.
TASIP is designed to work alongside TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) and not as a substitute for it.
Training results
Early evaluation shows promising results. A survey of 324 participants before training and 293 after training revealed:
- 88% recognised the importance of using practical techniques to help process traumatic incidents (up from 77% before training).
- 81% felt equipped to process traumatic incidents they may face (up from 57% before training).
The Occupational Health Team and TRiM Service Delivery Manager worked with Dr Jess Miller, who was involved in developing the original TIPT programme, to adapt it for the RNLI.
A pilot programme for Lifeguard services is planned for the 2026 season, and vicarious trauma training has also been completed with lifeboat press officers in Ireland.
What happens next
The RNLI is now discussing how to implement TASIP in a wider rollout across the organisation and embed it as business as usual.
A veterans focus group is being held on 16 July to discuss how trauma support can be offered for those who have left the RNLI.
On PTSD Awareness Day, we're reminded of the importance of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all our volunteers and staff. TASIP represents one way we're working to ensure our people have the tools they need to process difficult experiences and maintain their own wellbeing while saving lives at sea.
For more information about TASIP or to find out about wellbeing support available, contact your regional team or visit the wellbeing section on the Volunteer Zone.
*2024 RNLI Annual Report