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Critical Incident Stress Management

© Michael Decaire

Most people do not fully understand the scope of the forensic psychology discipline. There is a tendency to assume the criminal justice that deal with criminals. However some areas of disciplines definition, "the application of psychological knowledge to criminal justice" includes only those area's of forensic psychology are centered around those involved in the criminal justice system not as offenders but as professionals. Forensic psychology often is concerned with the industrial psychology components of police work. This can include such area's as optimal shift schedules that maximize staff performance, beneficial work place environments, and most importantly within this field, stress management.

Its hard to imagine many jobs more stressful then those of emergency workers. Policework has been described as "long periods of sheer boredom, split up by brief moments of sheer terror". Police officers come across some of the most traumatic situations imaginable from crime scenes, to shootings, to horrendous accidents. No matter how mentally tough a person is, such experiences will effect them in some manner. Stress can manifest in many forms from simple short term anxiety, increased blood pressure, depression, headaches, panic attacks, inability to function at work, etc..

In the face of traumatic stress (i.e., accident scene exposure) the stress can eventually become debilitating if not dealt with appropriately and promptly. In order to combat the potential effects of a developing post traumatic stress disorder the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. has developed a "critical incident stress debriefing ... the most widely used group technique in the world for the prevention of work related PTSD among high risk emergency response personnel." At this time there is several hundred CISD teams around the world that provide these services to emergency response systems.

Following a traumatic event the debriefing process begins with group meetings in regards to the incident. It is a process based on crisis and educational intervention theory. It is hoped that through this process the psychological impact of the traumatic event is minimized, PTSD development is eliminated, and identification of required referrals is identified. Personal who undergo a debriefing are taught what the warning signs of stress's manifestations could be and how they can minimize their chances of developing further difficulties. Additionally the group members soon realize that they are not alone with this experience. That other individuals also feel the stress. This can often set ones mind at ease. As well, realizing that there is available assistance through these events can be quite appeasing.

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