Within the Amateur Radio Emergency Service there are many "opportunities" to experience situations that we would not normally encounter. Some of these experiences, especially during training and public service events, can be very enjoyable and rewarding. Some, such as during floods, major fires, tornados and events like September 11, 2001 in New York City are far less than enjoyable, but can still be very rewarding.
In both environments we need to debrief ourselves to accomplish several objectives. During all events we need to asses our effectiveness and determine how we can improve. This serves to help focus our training in areas that need the most work and insures we compliment ourselves on the areas done well. During/after stressful events it is very important that we continually monitor our own stress levels and those of the people we are working with. In doing this we maximize the effectiveness of our unit and identify jobs that need people rotated out of before stress levels become critical.
To adequately handle this discussion the subject has been divided into three portions:
Most of us view tactical debriefing as something done as an after thought or something we do to get it out of the way. If you instead look at debriefing as a learning tool that will improve your effectiveness and that of your unit, it will serve you well.
One approach to debriefing is to answer the following questions in as much detail as is reasonable:
It is very important that every ARES operator in the event have input to the debriefing. The reasons are simple. First, many times one persons comment sparks yet another thought from someone else. Second, no one can observe everything that happens, you need everyones observations to be complete.
If you are unable to attend the formal debriefing or if the incident is multiple day and you wish to capture your input a sample online debriefing input form has been created. Contact your EC or DEC to see about implimenting this process.
The American Red Cross has some thoughts on stress induced
during disasters that are included here
for your information.
Police psychologists talk a lot about "critical incidents," but
what exactly is one?
A a critical incident is an occurrence that is one or more of
the following: [a) Sudden and unexpected
[b) perceived as life-threatening [c) overwhelming
[d) disrupted sense of control
[e) disrupted basic assumptions and beliefs
[f) resulted in physical and/ or emotional loss
Physical reactions to critical incidents can include:
[a) headaches [b) exhaustion [c) sleep disturbances
[d) appetite disruptions [e) "nervous stomach"
Behavioral reactions to critical incidents can include:
[a) hyperactivity [b) being easily startled
[c) withdrawing or isolating oneself [d) periodic underactivity
Psychological reactions to critical incidents can include:
[a) anger [b) self-blame [c) fear [d) anxiety ea) depression
[f) oversensitivity [g) emotional numbness
[h) having a heightened sense of danger [i) flashbacks
[j) preoccupation with the incident
[k) feeling that these emotions are "wimpy"
To minimize the effects of event related stress we need to
provide emotional debriefings. These
debriefings must be an organized, open discussion
that takes place after a serious and emotionally taxing event.
Its purpose is to provide a forum in which emergency workers
can release their stress. This is not an investigation or an
interrogation, nor is it a tactical debriefing. Rather, it is
an open, constructive means by which emergency workers can openly
express their emotions. When appropriate, trained professionals
may take part. They can offer concrete suggestions for ways of
overcoming the stress related to the incident.
The concept behind these debriefings is to encourage free
expression of thoughts, fears, and concerns in a supportive
group environment without losing status among one's peers. In
fact, debriefings are much more successful and the feedback more
positive when peer support personnel are more active.
The debriefing process allows individuals to gain insight
and reframe the event in a different perspective. As short-term
initial intervention, it often aids in preventing some of the
long-term cumulative effects caused by traumatic incidents.
All debriefings must be confidential and provide an opportunity
for educating emergency service workers on stress responses, as
well as letting those involved know that they are not alone in
their thoughts and feelings.
Stress reduction begins with an evaluation of one's life. Taking
a close look at your life and the things that you can
control will help with your evaluation. Here are some ways you
can reduce stress in your life:
Most of us aren't able to get rid of all the stress in our busy
lives. However, by finding ways to cope with and reduce stress
and keeping your life simple, you can begin to start sorting out
what really matters in your life.
What can I do?
One item that few of us remember is that our family will be affected by our experiences during emergencies. The easiest way to minimize adverse effects on our families is to insure they understand before the event that we will need their help and understanding after major traumatical events we may be called upon to work.
A good source for information they can easily understand is the American Red Cross. They have extensive amounts of helpful information you can get. The most important information for your family is included here.
Specific things the family can do to help are: