Critical Incident Debriefing
WSM has developed a comprehensive response service to help organisations and individuals deal with unexpected incidents.
A critical incident debriefing helps people affected by a sudden or traumatic event understand the reasons for their reaction, reduces the individuals' impression they are having an imbalanced reaction and prepares them for the future. It is highly effective in preventing future difficulties, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The types of incidents covered include:
- Industrial accidents
- Murder
- Suicide
- Sudden deaths
- Bombings
- Fire
- Assault
- Violence in the workplace
- Armed robbery
WSM provides a Critical Incident Debriefing service, which is a comprehensive traumatic incident service, catering for both the trauma impacted employees, and the managers who organise the debriefing for their staff. The service is accessed by telephone, and debriefings are usually carried out face-to-face. In line with best practice, WSM will provide a Critical Response Team to work on site 48-72 hours after an incident; however support will commence from the time WSM are notified.
WSM's on-site de-briefer will facilitate:
- The individual and group discussion of reactions, feelings and impressions, including individual's understanding of the link between the incident and how they are feeling
- The realisation that others are feeling and reacting similarly, therefore reassuring people they are not acting abnormally
- Preparation of individuals for predictable reactions that may manifest themselves and explain how these may be managed
- Access to further sources of support if required
A follow up service after a 4-6 week period is used to assess the emotional state of individuals once they have returned to their normal routine. Should further support be required individuals can be referred for short term counselling with WSM or we can recommend longer-term support. |
