"The EMS Authority has had the pleasure to work with...Grief STEP Programs over the past several years... During this time, our staff ... has come to know the primary developer of the Grief STEP Programs, Mary S. Reigel, and her competent work in this vital area. Grief support training for EMS personnel is a relatively new area, but gaining in importance as more and more EMS providers have become educated and enlightened regarding the need for skilled and sensitive care of the on-site bereaved in non-transport situations. They are beginning to see training as essential not only to establish a standard of care but in the support of their EMTs' and paramedics' mental and physical health... We know from the results we have seen in our San Francisco and Riverside County EMS grants that the Grief STEP Programs will contribute significantly to filling the gap in providing much needed services to the community and EMS personnel, which will in turn make our EMT's and paramedics even better care-givers - which is a benefit to all of us."

Richard E. Watson Interim Director State of California EMS Authority

"The Train-the-Trainer Grief STEP class ...received excellent reviews. Students recognized not only your passion for helping grieving families but also your professionalism and knowledge in teaching them how to deal with very difficult situations."
	Michael J. Harris Director Alameda County (CA) EMS Agency
"A much needed program... provides EMS personnel with the tools to take a proactive role..."
Nancy J. Steiner Paramedic Program Manager State of California EMS Authority
	"It's great that we know what to do, we feel good about that...the feedback from the community is outstanding."
"Very good, went beyond what I thought we would get. It's so focused and relevant."	Battalion Chief Bob O'Brien Fremont, CA Fire Department
Participant (written evaluation) San Francisco EMS Training
	"The members of EMDAC support the concept and implementation of the Grief Support Guidelines developed by the Grief Step Program..."
"I believe that it's about time this course be incorporated into EMT requirements. Great handout (materials) and videos."	Samuel J Stratton, M.D., President EMS Medical Directors Assn. of California
Training Participant: EMT-P San Francisco Dept. of Public Health

Comments from Riverside County (CA) EMS Agency Class:

"An extremely tough subject, but the more education we get, the more confident and efficient we will become."
	"Very good class. Should have annual refresher to reinforce initial training."
"Fantastic class, long overdue. I really enjoyed it!"
	"Enjoyed information. Tough subject mater ...learned a lot of info that will be very useful in the field."
"Excellent presentation!!"
	"This is probably one of my weak points. The laminated card will be very helpful."
"This course should be mandatory for all new employees, and occasional refreshers for existing members."
	"Great information to apply to our community."
"I wish I would've had it in medic school."

 Comments from San Francisco Fire Department Officers Training Class:

"Instructors were excellent...Excellent class; it should have been given years ago."
	"Excellent presentation would like to experience a more in depth course. Excellent, Excellent, Excellent"
"Excellent information and very useful, will be a great resource."
	"Instructors were excellent, subject matter applicable."
"Very informative course presented very well."
	"Good job, excellent instructors..."
"The laminated card is a valuable too. I'm also impressed with the workbook."
	"Very good training, excellent instructors."
"Laminated card and manual are great. There was good interaction in the class"