Critical Incident Stress Management for First Responders Quiz

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

• Designed for first responders of a disaster or traumatic event
• Very structured and organized process
• Time sensitive debriefing done in a safe and effective environment
• Uses trained CISM members
• Confidential

Critical Incidents

• Any death
• Hostage taking
• Witnessing or being involved in an event that is beyond the realm of the normal human experience
• Serious violent act or event
• Any incident that causes a severe emotional reaction

Self-Injury

• A normal reaction to an abnormal event
• Serves as a distraction and is seen as the only way to get relief from emotional pain
• Releases beta-endorphins which create pleasurable feelings
• Physically and emotionally calming
• Provides validation that the person is in control

The Self-Injury Process

• Thinking Phase: Caused by a significant trigger event that activates flashback to the past and negative appraisals

Restorative Justice

• Asserts that victims are forgotten in the current justice system and should have a greater role and a voice in determining the outcome of their case
• Principles:
  • Those affected directly by the crime come together to discuss the crime and its impact on their lives
  • Wrongdoers recognize the harm they have caused and accept responsibility for their actions
  • Wrongdoers make reparation to the victims and the community
  • Focus is on problem-solving, making things right, and the restoration of balance and harmony

Critics of Restorative Justice

• Perception it is being ‘soft on crime’ or ‘an easy way to avoid prison’
• Danger that victims and offenders may feel pressured into taking part and participating in RJ
• Not all victims wish to participate, especially those of violent offences
• Not all offenders are remorseful for their actions

CPI Crisis Prevention Institute

• Philosophy: “Care, welfare, safety, and security”
• Non-violent crisis intervention strategies

Types of Debriefing

• Critical Incident Operational Stress Management Debriefing (CISM): Supports the healing of the emotional impact following a traumatic incident or event
• Provides education on the effects of stress

Approaching Self-Injury

• When facing someone who self-injures, the best approach is to:
  • Remind yourself that self-injury is a alarming behavior, not a life-threatening crisis
  • Present with a low-key, dispassionate demeanor
  • Not respond negatively to the person, as it just increases their anxiety and distress
  • Not use guilt, shame, or put-downs

Suicide Awareness

• Suicide is a self-inflicted behavior that is intended to bring about one’s own death in the shortest term
• Suicide is an action, not an illness
• It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem
• Behavioural Indicators of Suicide:
  • Threatening, discussing or asking about suicide
  • Sleep disorders (too much or too little)
  • Change in activity level
  • Withdrawn
  • Physically unkempt or neglecting personal hygiene
  • Giving away personal property or belongings
  • Putting affairs in order

Mental Health Problems

• It’s natural to feel off balance at times, but it may become a problem if it impacts one’s daily life over a period of time
• Stress can affect how one copes with life’s day-to-day activities
• Can take on different shapes and forms at different times
• Causes include:
  • Biochemical disturbances in the brain
  • Psychological factors
  • Emotional trauma
  • Social factors
  • Environmental factors
• Mental Health Facts:
  • 1 in 5 Canadians will experience mental illness in their lifetime