What is a Critical Incident?
A Critical Incident is defined as "Any event that is out of the range of normal experience, one that is sudden and unexpected, makes one lose control, involves the perception of a threat to life, and can include elements of physical or emotional loss."
It is normal and common to experience strong physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, or spiritual reactions following a critical incident. Your reactions to abnormal events can overwhelm your natural ability to cope.
When a person has been involved in a critical event, it’s not unusual for them to experience intrusive thoughts and dreams, different moods, uncharacteristic emotions, loss of energy, and minor or delayed shock. These are normal thoughts and feelings that normal people experience when exposed to an abnormal event.
Studies show that when a person has been through a critical incident, they tend to have a better post-incident return to normalcy when they discuss the event with a support person. Often, this interaction can prevent a person from seeking further mental health support.
Peer Support provides an outlet for those involved to share their experiences and reactions to the event, express thoughts and concerns since the event, and receive guidance on what one can do to feel better and return to pre-incident functionality if troubled.
Our team is committed to helping you process the event, answer questions, provide assistance, and lend support. Everything shared should be considered confidential. Our team does not report the interaction or conversation.
Examples of incidents in which the Peer Support Team may be activated:
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Use of deadly force
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Line of duty death
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Serious line-of-duty injury and off-duty events
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Mass casualty response
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Prolonged event of a highly stressful or dangerous nature
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Serious injury/death of a child
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High-profile or emotionally charged event
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Suicide of a co-worker
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First responder's relationship with the victim
Don't suffer in silence.
You are not alone.
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