What is a critical incident trauma situation?

It is where an incident is perceived as having the following elements:
  • Situation is unexpected.
  • Situation is different from predictable life patterns.
  • Incident unstabilises a person's control.
  • Involves physical / emotional loss or life threat.
  • Exerts undue strain on the mental coping abilities of persons involved.
Common Reaction
  • Vary from person to person
  • Remember it is the person who determines whether an event is traumatic.
  • Severe anxiety, depression or stress.
  • Physical symptoms include shock, palpitations, trembling, sweating palms
    rapid breathing , nausea, fears.
  • Psychological symptoms may include aggression, confusion, numbness,
    excitement and panic.
After the incdent
  • Sleep disturbances and frequent waking.
  • Nervousness and anxiety.
  • Headache, nausea, etc
  • Poor concentration.
  • Flashbacks and recurrent thoughts.
  • Mood swings, guilt.
  • Negativity.
N.B. People suffer in varying degrees, some more strongly than others.