Critical Incident Stress Management

Why Critical Incident Stress Management Might Help You

If you have experienced a critical incident at work lately, you may find yourself acting in ways that are not normal for you. Are you eating more (or less) than usual? Are you sleeping more (or less) than usual? Are you having intrusive thoughts related to that incident? Is that incident reminding you of previous similar incidents? Are you feeling overwhelmed by emotions, without understanding what is happening to you? Then, Critical Incident Stress Management might help you normalize those reactions and help you move on.

Why I became involved with Critical Incident Stress Management

Following a crisis, provision of Critical Incident Stress Defusing or Debriefing can help people process the event and minimize symptoms of traumatic stress. In my years working with First Responders, I have seen the positive impact such structured and brief intervention can have on people. 

My Experience with Critical Incident Stress Management

I have been providing Critical Incident Stress Management (Defusing and Debriefing) since the late nineties. The events varied in severity and impact on staff. I have organized and provided both defusing and debriefing.

I am honoured to continue to provide Defusing and Debriefing to the Health professionals of Fraser Health Authority.

What I Offer Those I Work With:

I offer a safe space for people to discuss what happened and how it impacted them. After so many years working in a variety of environments, I can actively listen without judgment. 

My Approach

I allow staff to talk about the event, their thoughts, and feelings and then provide them with emotional support and psychoeducational information. The long-term impact of the critical incident is often mitigated through this process. It also allows prompt identification of individuals who might be in need of additional services.