Critical Incident Stress Awareness

Question 1

What is critical incident stress?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

What is PTSD?

Answer 2

A psychological overload or disorder affecting individuals who have experienced or witnessed profoundly traumatic events.

Question 3

What are the three types of stress?

Answer 3

1) Eustress- Good (Motivates)
2) Distress- Bad (Demotivates)
3) Acute and chronic- Extreme and ongoing.

Question 4

Three stress reactions during an incident are?

Answer 4

1) Time distortion:
- Slow motion or fast motion
2) Auditory distortion:
- Diminished or intensified hearing
3) Visual distortion:
- Tunnel vision or heightened attention to detail.

Question 5

What are coping techniques to decrease stress reactions?

Answer 5

• Proper nutrition
• Exercise
• Sleep ( 7 to 9 hours a day)
• Breathe ( In 4 counts, out 4 counts)
• Life ( Stay involved and ENJOY IT!!!)

* Additionally- Keep talking, don’t deny your stress, and don’t work harder or longer hours.*

Question 6

What resources are available after a critical incident?

Answer 6

• Trauma teams
• Peer support
• Employee assistance programs
• Psychologists or a Psychiatrist
• Clergy / Chaplin