Critical Incident Support

Critical Incident Support is a method of helping individuals who have been exposed to an unusual incident which threatened them, either physically or mentally. It involves a skilled helper guiding the individual through a review of what has happened in order to identify any aspect of the experience which may have a long-lasting detrimental effect on the individual and his or her ability to cope. It helps the individual to confront that particular aspect and anything else which may be associated with it. Research has shown that if this is done soon after the incident occurred the worst impact of the event is countered and the individual is helped to realise that he or she is having a normal reaction to an abnormal event.

As individuals have different responses to situations, they should be given the choice as to whether or not they take up the opportunity. The debriefing may be carried out on a one-to-one basis or, alternatively, it may be carried out on a group basis. Normally, the debriefing takes place in one or two sessions. However there are occasions when further support is required and particular individuals may need counselling in relation to the incident.

I am trained in debriefing techniques and am able to assess which approach is most suitable for the particular context.