Critical Incident Stress Awareness Flashcards
What is critical incident stress?
Any situation faced by first responders that may cause unusually strong emotional reactions which have the potential to interfere with their ability to function either at the scene or later
What are the three types of stress?
Eustress-good
Distress-bad
Acute and chronic-extreme or ongoing
What is cumulative stress?
A chronic state if disturbing stress which can lead to physical and emotional illness over time
What is PTSD?
A psychological or disorder affecting individuals who have witnessed or experienced profoundly traumatic events
What are some top critical incidents for officers?
Death of a co worker (line of duty/suicide)
Major injury to a co worker
Mass casualty events
Death or major injury to a child
What is secondary trauma?
When further negative emotional events occur.
What are some additional distressors?
Shift work
Liability issues
Court system
Excessive paperwork
What are symptoms to sudden persistent stress?
Racing heart Headache Perspiration Inability to concentrate Time distortion
What basic areas can stress cause reactions in?
Behavioral Physical Emotional Cognition Spiritually
What are some additional stress reactions?
Time
Auditory
Visual
During or after a critical stress incident, what must an officer pay attention to?
The length of time persistent stress reactions occur
How long should you wait to seek help if you are experiencing symptoms of persistent stress?
Five weeks or longer
What are ways to maintaining healthy eating habits?
Maintain good eating habits 80/20
Plan your meals/bring them to work
Water-decreases psychological stress
Limit caffeine and Etoh intake
How much physical activity is needed after a critical incident?
Increase physical activity by 2-3 times
What is the recommended amount if sleep, per the experts?
7-9 hours unattended
