Critical Incident & Trauma Management

What is a Critical Incident?

A traumatic or critical incident is any event that is outside the range of usual human experience.

It is an event that causes an unusually intense stress reaction which has the emotional power to overwhelm an individual’s usual ability to cope immediately or in the future following the event. It may impair their ability to adjust, and it may negatively impact on their work.

Examples of Critical Incidents Include

• Death or serious injuries to an individual.
• Personal loss or injury, real or threatened
• Personnel being violently threatened
• Close encounter with death
• Suicide of a fellow worker
• A disaster situation
• Other incidents not covered above but which are associated with unusually strong emotional reactions.

What does Critical Incidents Management Involve?

Critical Incident Management is an integrated, comprehensive, multi-component crisis intervention program spanning the complete crisis continuum. (Mitchell and Everly, 1997).

PCSI offers all aspects of this internationally recognised best practice system in the management of critical incidents. It includes:

Pre-crises Preparation

PCSI offer training in relation to the management and mitigation of critical incidents to employees and managers

Demobilisation

This includes informational briefings and advising staff in the immediate aftermath of a critical incident. It reflects good people management skills and involves practical support.

Critical Incident Debriefing

Critical Incident Debriefing refers is a structured group discussion, usually provided between 24 to 96 hours post crisis, and designed to mitigate acute symptoms, assess the need for follow-up, and if possible provide a sense of post-crisis psychological closure.

Individual Crises intervention

PCSI provides One—to—one (1:1) intervention usually provided 24 to 96 hours post crisis. for individuals who have experienced a traumatic or critical incident.

Organisational Consultancy

PCSI works with organisations in the development of Critical Incident Management policies and procedures.

Follow-up

PCSI offers individuals exposed to critical incidents follow-up and referral mechanisms for assessment and treatment.

What are the aims of critical incident management?

• To maintain health and productivity.
• To encourage peer support.
• To educate the participants on the ‘normal’ reactions that can be experienced after a traumatic event.
• To mitigate against the long-term harmful effects of traumatic stress.
• To return staff to normal work patterns.
• To enhance the overall environment in which the person works and lives.

Why do I need to react to critical incidents? What are the benefits to the organisation?

• It accords with the legal duty of care that organizations have within health and safety legislation.
• It shows that the organization cares thereby promoting ethical practices.
• By offering an intervention you may be able to influence legal proceedings or awards by having a system that responds to individuals in distress.
• Most significantly employees who feel cared for have more positive attitudes towards the organisation which often is reflected in their commitment to work.