Crisis Response Planning (1 or 2 day)

The increase of critical incidents (violence, suicide, tragedy, etc.) requires schools, communities and organizations to be prepared to respond to these unfortunate events. This training will focus on how to organize effectively and quickly at a time of high stress so that groups are better prepared to respond to the emotional needs of those affected by a critical incident. Participants will leave the workshop with a clear understanding of how to implement their own crisis response team and plan for their specific environment. A major portion of the second day will be dedicated to exploring CTRI's Critical Incident Group Debriefing model. While group debriefing is a very important tool in responding to tragic events, it is also a process that requires much consideration and reflection prior to implementing.

Please note that for the purpose of this workshop "crisis response" refers to the steps that are made after a critical incident. This is not a threat assessment or emergency preparedness workshop.

Workshop Outline

Day 1

Definitions and Overview
Spectrum of Critical Incidents
Trauma - An Overview
Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma Response Variables
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Crisis Response Team and Plan Development
Crisis Response Checklist
Media Relations
High Risk Individuals
Individual Debriefing

Day 2

Memorials
Evaluation and Debriefing
Follow-up Assessments
Trigger Events and Anniversaries
How Suicide is Different
Critical Incident Group Debriefing
Group Debriefing History
Group Debriefing Models
Benefits and Problems with Group Debriefing
Preparing for a Group Debriefing
CIGD Phases
Considerations About the Process
Tips for Facilitators
Co-Facilitating

Target Audience

This is an intermediate level workshop intended for school personnel, social service and health care professionals, managers, human resource professionals and anyone seeking a better understanding of ways to respond to tragic events.

Method of Delivery

Lecture, case study review, video and small group discussion

Length

1 day version
The one day version is designed for senior clinicians and administrators. Discussion around trauma and group debriefing is limited. The primary focus is on the development of a crisis response team and exploration of how the team functions in the midst of a critical incident.