Connect & Protect is a platform created to deliver peer support for first responders, helping firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and emergency personnel navigate mental health challenges with compassion and connection.
“Our mission is to create a world where every first responder has immediate, anonymous access to compassionate peer support, fostering a culture of mental well-being and resilience in the face of life’s toughest challenges.”
Connect & Protect is a mental health support platform tailored specifically for first responders. Built on the values of connection and compassion, the app provides a safe, anonymous space for users to connect in real time with peer support team members who truly understand their unique challenges. Whether navigating stress, substance abuse, or feelings of isolation, first responders can find immediate support and tailored resources to foster resilience and well-being. Founded in 2024, by a firefighter and paramedic with firsthand experience in the mental health struggles of first responders, Connect & Protect is on a mission to create a culture of support, ensuring no one faces their challenges alone.
Connect & Protect is a community-based mental health peer support platform designed specifically for first responders. It allows users to connect with peers or an AI chatbot for real-time, anonymous support on issues like stress, substance abuse, family problems, and suicidal thoughts. Departments can provide this service to their employees to ensure they have access to support when they need it most.
Connect & Protect is designed for first responders, including firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and other emergency personnel (currently employed or otherwise). It’s also managed by department designated administrators who can customize and modify their teams. Each user type has specific permissions tailored to their role.
Yes, your privacy is our top priority. All interactions on the platform are anonymous unless you choose to reveal your identity. We comply with all relevant data protection regulations and use encrypted communication to safeguard your information.
The AI chatbot in Connect & Protect is designed to provide instant support by offering responses and resources based on the issues you’re facing. It’s not a replacement for human interaction but a supplement to ensure help is available at all times. The chatbot can also guide you to peer support sessions or emergency contacts if necessary.
If a user is experiencing a crisis that goes beyond the scope of peer support, the platform can connect them to emergency resources such: access to emergency contact, direct connection to the suicide hotline, or even provide resources for professional counseling (if you have a predetermined local mental health expert office). Our goal is to ensure that every user receives the help they need, whether through peers or external support.
A “Peer Support Personnel” (PSP) is a designated first responder who provides mental health support within their department, assisting colleagues by chatting and sharing resources. Their interactions are typically limited to members of their specific department unless they choose to expand their role.
A “Global Peer Support Ambassador” (GPSA), on the other hand, is a PSP who extends their support to a broader audience, including individuals outside their department. GPSAs can chat with anyone who reaches out through the app, regardless of departmental affiliation, offering a more global peer support reach.
Departments benefit by providing their employees with a dedicated mental health support platform, helping to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve overall well-being. Additionally, the platform includes reporting tools to help departments track engagement and outcomes, supporting their efforts to create a healthier work environment.
Yes, Connect & Protect is highly customizable. Departments can tailor the app's features, such as resource libraries and emergency contacts, to meet the specific needs of their personnel. Customizable settings ensure that the platform aligns with the unique requirements of each department.
All peer supporters undergo training to become a Connect & Protect PSP (Peer Support Personal) at minimum to ensure they provide effective and empathetic support. We also monitor and collect feedback on peer support sessions to continually improve the service. Additionally, the platform allows for easy escalation to professional help if needed.
Our pricing model is based on departmental subscriptions, where departments pay a fee for their personnel to access the platform. This model ensures that the service is available to all first responders within a department, with the potential for future grants to subsidize costs.
It’s also available for purchase for individuals that aren’t provided the service by their department but would like to be a part of the community themselves. As long as you have a state or national certification number that can be entered to confirm status, you will be able to login and utilize our service.
Getting started is easy! Contact us through our website or via email at connectandprotectllc@gmail.com to schedule a demo or learn more about how Connect & Protect can benefit your team. We’ll work with you to customize the platform to your needs and get your department set up quickly.
Last Updated: February 2025
Introduction
Welcome to Connect & Protect! We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Statement explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your data when you use our app and services.
Data Collection Practices
We collect the following types of data:
Use of Collected Data
We use the collected data for the following purposes:
Sharing and Disclosure of Data
We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties. We may share your data with:
Data Security Measures
We implement various security measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include encryption, secure servers, and regular security assessments.
User Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
Use of Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our app and hold certain information. You can control the use of cookies through your browser settings.
Changes to the Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Statement from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.
Last Updated: February 2025
Introduction and Acceptance
Welcome to Connect & Protect! By using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully. If you do not agree, do not use our app.
Before proceeding, please acknowledge that Connect & Protect is a tool for reaching a peer supporter—it is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Description of Services
Connect & Protect provides a peer support network app designed for first responders, offering mental health support through various features including anonymous chat, AI assistance, and resource access.
User Responsibilities
Users agree to:
Intellectual Property Rights
All content, software, and technologies used in the app are owned by Connect & Protect or its licensors. Users are granted a limited license to use the app for personal, non-commercial purposes.
Limitation of Liability
Connect & Protect is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of our app. Our total liability is limited to the amount paid by the user for accessing our services.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Florida/USA. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of Florida/USA.
Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on this page. Continued use of the app signifies acceptance of the updated terms.
Termination of Access
We may terminate or suspend access to our app immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including breach of these Terms.
Contact Information
For questions, please contact us at:
Email: connectandprotectllc@gmail.com
Last Updated: February 2025
