Managing Critical Incident

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 incident

• Sleep disturbances and frequent waking.
• Nervousness and anxiety.
• Headache, nausea, etc
• Poor concentration
• Flashbacks and recurrent thoughts.
• Mood swings, guilt.
• Negativity.