Chaplain Peer Support Cards

When first responders experience tragedy, trauma, grief, or overwhelming stress, chaplains are often called to stand beside them during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Yet many chaplains find themselves wondering: What do I say right now?

Chaplain Field Support Cards: What to Say to First Responders in High-Stress Moments was created to answer that question.

Written by Board-Certified Police and Public Safety Psychologist Dr. Gina Gallivan, this practical field guide provides chaplains with trauma-informed language, reflection prompts, and referral guidance for supporting law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and other public safety professionals.

Designed specifically for first responder culture, each card addresses a common challenge chaplains encounter in the field, including critical incidents, line-of-duty deaths, moral injury, officer-involved shootings, grief, guilt, shame, burnout, peer suicide, hypervigilance, relationship strain, retirement, and cumulative stress. Each topic includes simple guidance on the chaplain's role, sample language that can be used in the moment, and indicators that additional support may be needed.

Unlike traditional training manuals, this guide is intentionally concise, practical, and easy to use. Whether carried in a pocket, go bag, patrol vehicle, fire station, or chaplain response kit, the cards are designed to provide immediate support when words are difficult to find.

This book is not intended to replace formal chaplain or peer support training. Instead, it serves as a field companion that helps chaplains provide calm, compassionate, and culturally competent support while remaining within the scope of their role.

For chaplains serving those who protect the public, these cards offer a simple reminder: you do not need to have all the answers. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can offer is your presence.