Crisis Response
Basic Description
When a critical incident occurs, it's often immediately apparent that individuals are significantly affected and in need of support. This is evident through visible signs and symptoms that can disrupt their ability to function normally. Individuals might also show, in various ways, a readiness to seek and receive assistance. Such instances clearly call for the initiation of a crisis response.
However, there are situations where the need for intervention is less obvious. A dramatic event might occur without a clear understanding of its impact on those involved. The crucial factor in determining the presence of a critical incident is not solely the event itself but how individuals are responding to it.
To decide whether crisis intervention is necessary, one should consider if even a single person's emotional state has been significantly altered by the incident. The presence of such an impact typically indicates a critical incident, suggesting that crisis intervention services could be beneficial. Moreover, if one person is affected, it is likely that others might be as well.
In cases of uncertainty, it is recommended to explore available services or have a consultation to assess the extent of the impact on individuals. This can help in determining the most suitable support and intervention services.
Crisis Intervention
Crisis intervention is psychological first-aid or emotional first-aid. It is temporary in nature. It serves as an active and supportive entry into the life of individuals or groups during a period of extreme distress.
Goals of Crisis Intervention:
The primary goals of crisis intervention are to:
Mitigate the impact of the event.
Facilitate normal recovery processes in normal people who are having normal reactions to abnormal events.
Restore individuals, groups, and organizations to their normal adaptive levels of functioning.
Principles of Crisis Intervention:
Simplicity – people respond to simple, not complex, in a crisis
Brevity of interventions – from just minutes up to an hour or so in most cases – varying with the number of people impacted
Innovative and flexible based upon the unique circumstances for the incident and the people impacted
Pragmatic suggestions that are practical
Proximity – the most effective contacts are those that are closest to the workplace
Immediacy – typically a state of crisis demands rapid intervention in order to maximize effectiveness
Expectancy – the crisis intervener attempts to create expectations of a reasonable positive outcome
Psychological readiness to receive crisis intervention services
Adapted from Mitchell, J.T., Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) – Group Crisis Intervention, Chevron Publishing, Ellicott City, Maryland, 2006