Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) developed the One Step Ahead program to provide employees with information about the basic facts of suicide. One Step Ahead is a free, online, self-led suicide prevention gatekeeper training that educates trainees on the fundamental aspects of suicide and demonstrates how to support someone who is suicidal. This training explores the four-step process for preventing suicide: Ask, listen, respond, and follow up. The training includes a series of interactive modules and a virtual conversation activity where trainees can practice the necessary skills to support someone who is experiencing suicidal ideation.

Intervention Goal
One Step Ahead ‘s goal is to prepare workers to identify, intervene, and support their co-workers who show signs of suicidal ideation.

Outcomes Measured
To achieve this goal, the SAVE program focuses on five key objectives that serve as the program’s outcomes. These objectives are: (1) Increase knowledge of risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors associated with suicide; (2) Develop nuanced attitudes toward and beliefs about suicide; (3) Develop and practice the skills needed to help someone who may be experiencing suicidal ideation or a suicidal crisis; (4) Increase a participant’s comfort level with the skills they have learned and practiced; and (5) Enhance the overall capacity of participants to interact with co- workers who might be experiencing suicidal ideation.

Population Served
The program is designed to address anyone in the workforce. Thus, the typical age of a SAVE participant ranges from 18 to 65. Research results have demonstrated that SAVE’s One Step Ahead program works with women, men, young adults, mature adults, older adults, American Indians, Asians, Blacks, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, Whites, Multi-racial, military personnel, retirees, social workers, unemployed, and employed persons.

Implementation Activities
The only required implementation activities are (1) having access to a computer with broadband internet service, and (2) dedicating approximately one hour to complete the course.