Emergency Service Chaplaincy Chaplain Pat Ellis 253-856-5826 pellis@kentfirerfa.org
What is a Chaplain? Traditionally, a chaplain is a cleric (such as a minister, priest, pastor, rabbi, or imam), or a lay representative of a religious tradition, attached to a secular institution such as a hospital, prison, military unit, school, police department, fire department, university, or private chapel. According to Wikipedia 5/26/2018
Why have a chaplain? Continuum of care in the community On Call 24/7 Care, Comfort and Compassion Provide for the emotional and mental well being of the department members and their families High Stress Environment Constant Exposure to Trauma 5/26/2018
High Exposure to Trauma Critical Incident Stress/Compassion Fatigue An event that is above and beyond our normal range of experience that has the potential of causing emotional distress
Physiological Response Trigger Release of Endorphins Serotonin Noradrenaline Dopamine 5/26/2018
Pre-Intervention Knowledge is power Your not Superman Know your limits Educate Yourself Your not Superman Realistic Expectations Know your limits Have plan Know your resources Support System Who is your back up 5/26/2018
Post-Intervention Know that you are not broken Do something about it Acknowledge the fact that you are experiencing Post Trauma Stress Your human Just like the rest of us Do something about it “A truly ‘tough’ person in the healthiest sense of the word is not the one who avoids all stress but the one who knows how to adapt to the different levels of stress and crisis as it is occurring.”
Your Not Broken!!! Post Traumatic Stress The emotional upheaval that can occur following the experience or witnessing of a traumatic event/critical incident. Doesn’t mean your broken!!! 1. Exposure Intense Fear Helplessness Horror 2. Hallmark Symptoms Intrusive Memories Avoidance/Numbing Hyper-Alertness Symptoms go away with time You never forget
Biological Early Warning System Depressed Mood Insomnia Irritability/Withdrawal Suicidal Ideology Fatigue Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness Lack of Interest or Concentration Changes In Weight Everyone around you becomes a A$%#&^$
Cognitive Control Strategies Guard Your Mind/Heart Thought Stopping Cognitive Restructuring Positive Affirmations Task-Relevant Self Instruction We use language to communicate our ideas and emotions to others and, just as importantly, to articulate our thoughts and feelings to ourselves. Employ the cognitive control strategies of thought stopping, cognitive restructuring, positive affirmations, and task-relevant self-instruction The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. - William James (1842-1910)
Need Help? Get Help! Know Your Resources Chaplain or Clergy EAP Personnel Qualified Mental Health Professional (MHP) Critical Incident Stress Debrief Spouse/Family “Getting help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign that you know your limits”
Emergency Service Chaplaincy Chaplain Pat Ellis 253-856-5826 pellis@kentfirerfa.org