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Critical Incident Stress Management |
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 28 August 2008 18:41 |
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A Critical Incident is described as any incident which has the potential to produce unusually strong emotional reactions and which can interfere with one's ability to function, either at the scene or later.
WHAT IS CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS?
Critical Incident Stress affects each and every one of us regardless of age, gender or experience.
Critical Incident Stress Awareness can increase your overall health and wellbeing.
Awareness of the existence of Critical Incident Stress, signs and symptoms and prevention are vital to the health and well-being of all employees.
POTENTIAL CAUSES OF CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS
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Close proximity to sudden unexpected life threatening event
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Death or injury of a co-worker, partner, customer or friend, etc.
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Death of a child under unusual circumstances.
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Knowing the victim or seeing a resemblance to someone you know
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Unusual sights, sounds, or smells.
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An incident extending over a long period of time.
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Death of a person caused by personnel.
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Incident with profound emotion.
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Incident with significant media attention.
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Threatening situation such as hostage taking, storms, explosives.
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Incidents that engage the emotions such as needless deaths or unusual causes.
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Major incidents with multiple casualties.
SUGGESTIONS IN HELPING OURSELVES
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Use exercise - sport activities to help de-stress.
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Refrain from alcohol or substance use to numb post trauma reaction.
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Stay connected to family, friends and peers. They are part of your support system.
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Return to work for your next scheduled shift. You are not the only one to be affected.
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Do expect the incident to bother you. Remember you are not alone and you are not 'crazy'.
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Maintain a good diet, drink water, and reduce caffeine and sugar intake.
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Get adequate sleep whenever possible.
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Be Informed/Educated on Critical Incident Stress
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Request a Debriefing through your supervisor or Program Manager
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Attend a scheduled Debriefing or Defusing (see below).
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Seek extra help if necessary.
WHAT IS A DEBRIEFING?
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A debriefing is a structured group discussion of the event designed to normalize stress reactions with education, prevent suppression and denial and provide opportunities for emotional release.
It creates a positive expectation for recovery and helps us reframe negative thought processes. It keeps us connected to one another and realize we are not the only one affected by the incident.
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It is a peer driven process based on crisis intervention theory.
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It lasts 2-3 hours based on the number of participants and takes place 48 to 72 hours after the incident and is still useful up to 3 weeks later.
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It is targeted to the employees involved in the incident. All aspects of the debriefing are kept confidential within the participants group.
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It is the most widely used group technique in the world for the prevention of work related PTSD and is used by the military, fire departments, ambulance and police, industry, schools, clergy, ski patrol and life guards to assist their personnel after critical incidents.
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It is there for you - for your support - for your health.
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Last Updated on Friday, 20 February 2009 23:43 |
