School Emergency & Mental Health Response Team (SEMART): Physical Emergency Preparedness and Adolescent Mental Health in Schools

Abstract

Abstract

Adolescents are a population vulnerable to physical emergencies and mental health crises in the school environment. However, school preparedness to respond to these conditions remains limited and poorly integrated. This community service program aimed to improve high school students’ understanding and preparedness for physical emergencies and mental health crises through the School Emergency & Mental Health Response Team (SEMART) approach. The methods included education sessions, first aid training, emergency response simulations, and mental health literacy strengthening for students, teachers, and educational staff organized as a SEMART team. Evaluation was conducted using pre-test and post-test. The results showed an increase in participants’ knowledge and skills in recognizing emergency conditions and providing appropriate initial responses, both physically and psychologically. The SEMART program also enhanced participants’ awareness that mental health is an integral part of adolescent well-being. With school support and sustainable implementation, SEMART has the potential to become an innovative model for improving school preparedness and creating a safe, responsive, and supportive school environment.