Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) Austin Community College Emergency Medical Services
CISD EMS personnel are routinely exposed to extraordinarily stressful situations. The psychological impact of that acute and chronic stress is increasingly recognized and critical incident stress is now being addressed by many EMS agencies through a “debriefing” process involving formal CISD Teams.
Common Personality Traits of Emergency Personnel Need to be in control obsessive (desire to do a perfect job) compulsive (tend toward the same actions, traditional) highly motivated by internal factors action oriented high need for stimulation
Traits Continued Have need for immediate gratification easily bored risk takers rescue personality highly dedicated strong need to be needed
Definition of Critical Incident Stress Stress experienced due to an event which overwhelms the individual's normal coping mechanism, rendering the person ineffectual.
Stress Factors Suddenness and intensity of event age of the victim number of victims duration of field resuscitation age and experience of rescuer identification with the victim adequacy of manpower
Stress Factors Continued Equipment and training to handle the situation Environment
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Chronic stress reaction following one or more horrible events.
Characteristics of PTSD Fear of repetition nightmares/flashbacks psychic numbing, dazed withdrawing from personal relationships hypervigilant physical emotional and behavioral disorders
Characteristics of PTSD continued Suicidal thoughts self medicating (alcohol abuse) phobia’s
Pediatric Critical Incidence Any sudden event that results in the death of a child death during prolonged rescue effort child abuse trauma involving mutilation emergencies with intense media coverage identification with the victim
Reactions to Critical Incident Stress Acute physical reactions Acute cognitive reactions Acute emotional stress
CISD- Debriefing CISD is the treatment of choice following a critical incident Goals Mechanism
Coping Strategies During the Emergency Prevent psychological trauma to incoming crews…. Inform them of what they will be walking into. Maintain high level of pre-training and skill proficiency be aware of others accept your own limitations
Coping Strategies Continued Learn deep breathing exercise to dispel stress conflict resolution skills behavioral emergencies and management of violent patients disaster psychology problem solving skills
Summary Defuse as early as possible (within 72 hours) informal crew meeting for venting purposes identify personnel in need of immediate support physical exercise eat right
Summary Continued It’s okay to cry…. Release emotion spouse nights hosted by mental health professionals may help families understand stress reactions and the impact on marriages.