08-04 Members Involved In A Traumatic Critical Incident

Question 1

What is the Toronto Police Service committed to providing for members involved in traumatic critical incidents?

Answer 1

Appropriate and sufficient support both at the onset and conclusion of a traumatic critical incident.

Question 2

What are two examples of routine events that may be considered traumatic critical incidents?

Answer 2

• Serious traffic collisions
• Sudden deaths

Question 3

What must supervisors, officers in charge, and unit commanders do in relation to traumatic critical incidents?

Answer 3

Assess each incident to determine the appropriate level of support for members involved.

Question 4

What is the role of the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) in the support process?

Answer 4

Assist members and their families to cope after becoming involved in a traumatic critical incident.

Question 5

When must the CIRT/Peer Support Volunteer (PSV) be contacted?

Answer 5

In all instances where a member has requested immediate support.

Question 6

What is required for all members involved in a traumatic critical incident?

Answer 6

Completion of an Injured on Duty Online Report in compliance with Procedure 08–03.

Question 7

What factors may impact the assessment of support needed after a traumatic critical incident?

Answer 7

• Nature of the event
• Member’s Service experience
• Member’s life experience
• Previous involvement in traumatic critical incidents
• Member’s behavior

Question 8

The decision to report an event as a ‘Traumatic Critical Incident’ should be based on what?

Answer 8

The nature and circumstances of the event rather than the reactions of the involved individuals.

Question 9

What symptoms may indicate a member is suffering from critical incident stress?

Answer 9

A wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms.

Question 10

What does CIRT stand for?

Answer 10

Critical Incident Response Team.

Question 11

What training do CIRT/PSVs receive?

Answer 11

Trauma response measures.

Question 12

What is a Debriefing Session?

Answer 12

A scheduled formal meeting for members involved in a traumatic critical incident to discuss reactions in confidence with a qualified mental health professional.

Question 13

What is the purpose of a Defusing Session?

Answer 13

An immediate informal meeting to assess the need for further assistance prior to the end of shift.

Question 14

What are Post Incident Firearms Exposure Sessions intended for?

Answer 14

To provide reassurance and promote officers’ confidence with their firearm after an officer-involved shooting incident.

Question 15

True or False: Attendance at defusing sessions is mandatory but active participation is voluntary.

Answer 15

True

Question 16

What is the current EFAP provider for the Toronto Police Service?

Answer 16

Shepell∙fgi.

Question 17

What is the role of the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) in the context of traumatic critical incidents?

Answer 17

Provide assistance in locating community mental health professionals or other suitable services.

Question 18

What must be included in the wording for the Injured on Duty Report?

Answer 18

‘Traumatic Critical Incident’ under the section ‘Nature and Area of Injury(ies)’.

Question 19

What is the purpose of a referral in the context of critical incident stress?

Answer 19

Assistance provided by the EFAP provider or Psychological Services to members and their families.

Question 20

Who should conduct the initial notification of an affected member’s family?

Answer 20

A person close to the affected member, subject to logistics and exigencies.

Question 21

What should be considered when addressing the needs of affected members’ families?

Answer 21

• Personal safety issues
• Transportation needs
• Child care
• Financial needs
• Communication with the Service

Question 22

What is the role of the notifying member in the notification process?

Answer 22

To have the most accurate and up-to-date information and be in contact with the hospital and the member’s home unit until the last minute before notification is made.

Question 23

Who should be designated as the information contact at the scene/hospital?

Answer 23

One person should be designated to provide up-to-date information to the notification member and liaise with Communications Services.

Question 24

What should be arranged for the family liaison, notification member, and information contact?

Answer 24

Cellular telephones should be arranged for them, if necessary.

Question 25

When should the Chief of Police contact the family?

Answer 25

Only after the initial notification has been completed.

Question 26

What is the responsibility of the unit member dedicated to liaising with the family?

Answer 26

To be on twenty-four hour call with the family to provide assistance and support as required.

Question 27

What type of vehicles should be used to transport family members?

Answer 27

Unmarked vehicles should be used whenever possible.

Question 28

What information should not be released without consent?

Answer 28

No personal information shall be released without the consent of the affected member or family.

Question 29

What specific personal information should never be disclosed?

Answer 29

A member’s telephone number and home address, including the name of the city, town, or community.

Question 30

What should be done to ensure accurate information dissemination?

Answer 30

Consult with the officer in charge of the scene to ensure ongoing investigations are not jeopardized.

Question 31

What is the protocol for relieving members of duty?

Answer 31

Relieve members of the platoon/squad from duty as soon as practicable, coordinated with the Officer in Charge.

Question 32

What should relieved members be directed to do?

Answer 32

Report to a designated location to permit the process of defusing to begin.

Question 33

What should be considered if the platoon is scheduled for days off the next day?

Answer 33

Consider returning the members for a debriefing in a timely manner.

Question 34

Who can self-identify as a victim of critical incident stress?

Answer 34

Any member may self-identify as a victim.

Question 35

To whom should a member who identifies as a victim of critical incident stress be referred?

Answer 35

Refer such member to the EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator or CIRT/Peer Support Volunteer for support/assistance.