CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE
Following
a significant workplace incident or trauma, many individuals experience
stress-related symptoms. A manager or supervisor can call the EAP to speak
to a team member, who will perform an immediate assessment and develop
an action plan best suited to the situation. Interventions may include
some of the following:
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
This is a meeting usually held onsite at your company. A CISD is a specific, structured process to address traumatic events, in which individuals are invited to participate in a group discussion about the event and its impact on them. The EAP counselor provides information on common reactions to stress and offers concrete suggestions that employees can use in the days and weeks that follow the event. Participation in the discussion is voluntary. The EAP counselor provides participants with educational handouts with guidelines on coping successfully with their reactions. When individualized help is needed, referrals can be made for professional services through the EAP.
The CISD can be particularly effective as one part of a process to assist individuals in their responses to the incident. This meeting is held within a few days of the traumatic event.
Supervisory
Consultation
At times a manager may discuss an incident with EAP staff and,
after consultation with the EAP, develop actions that are carried out
by the company staff. The EAP clinician offers guidance and suggestions
for implementing supportive efforts for employees. This may involve several
telephone consultations and distribution of fact sheets and other information
to employees. Human Resources personnel are often involved in implementing
such programs within the company.
On-Site Counseling
Occasionally the EAP will send counselors to the workplace, to provide
counseling and consultation to employees and supervisors alike. These
sessions may be similar to assessment and referral services offered in
our offices, but can provide an easily accessible service to employees
in the aftermath of a crisis or traumatic event.
Clinical
Assessment and Referral
Standard EAP assessment and referral services are always available to
employees and their household members, either by telephone or in person
in one of our offices.
Fact Sheets
and Resources
The EAP provides information which can be distributed to employees via
email or as flyers. This information is regularly updated to address any
unique circumstances. Please go to CRISIS
RESOURCES to access this information.
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