Disaster Psychology. CERT Basic Training Unit 7

Transcription

1 Disaster Psychology Unit 7

2 Unit Objectives Describe disaster and post-disaster emotional environment for victims and rescuers Describe steps rescuers can take to relieve their own stress and that of other survivors 7-1

3 Unit Topics Disaster Trauma Team Well-Being Working with Survivors Trauma 7-2

4 Psychological Trauma Your own personal losses Working in your neighborhood Assisting neighbors, friends, coworkers who have also been injured Not feeling safe and secure 7-3

5 Psychological Symptoms of Trauma Irritability or anger Self-blame or blaming others Isolation and withdrawal Fear of recurrence Feeling stunned, numb, overwhelmed Feeling helpless Mood swings Sadness, depression, grief Denial Concentration and memory problems Relationship problems/marital discord 7-4

6 Physiological Symptoms of Trauma Loss of appetite Headaches or chest pain Diarrhea, stomach pain, or nausea Hyperactivity Increase in drug consumption Nightmares Insomnia Fatigue 7-5

7 Team Well-Being Actions can be taken before, during, and after an incident to help manage emotional impact of disaster response work Knowing possible psychological and physiological symptoms of disaster trauma helps manage impact Learn to manage stress CERT members for themselves CERT leaders during response 7-6

8 How You Reduce Stress Get enough sleep Exercise regularly Eat a balanced diet Balance work, play, and rest Allow yourself to receive as well as give Connect with others Use spiritual resources 7-7

9 Take Care of Yourself Be aware of trauma that can follow a disaster Explain to family members and friends what you need: Listen when you want to talk Don t force you to talk 7-8

10 How Team Leaders Reduce Stress Brief CERT personnel beforehand Remember CERT is a team Rest and regroup Take breaks away Eat properly, stay hydrated Arrange for debriefing Rotate teams and duties Phase out workers gradually 7-9

11 Phases of a Crisis Impact Inventory Rescue Recovery 7-11

12 Traumatic Crisis Actual or potential death Serious injury Destruction Loss of contact with family or close friends 7-12

13 Effects of Traumatic Stress Cognitive functioning Physical health Interpersonal relationships 7-13

14 Mediating Factors Prior experience with a similar event Intensity of disruption Individual feelings about event Emotional strength of individual Length of time since event 7-14

15 Stabilizing Victims Assess survivors for injury or shock Get uninjured people to help Provide support by: Listening Empathizing Help survivors connect with natural support systems 7-15

16 Psychological First Aid During Triage Connect Set the tone: Calm, Caring, Competent Name, CERT, Name See the Need. Say the Need. Get a Yes., Unit 7: Disaster Psychology 7-16

17 Psychological First Aid During Triage Direct Can do Use their name Short, simple instructions and why ( and, because, so that ) Praise engagement or action, Unit 7: Disaster Psychology 7-17

18 Psychological First Aid Outside of Triage Connect Set the tone: Calm, Caring, Competent Can offer more physical comfort outside of triage (handshake, touch arm, hug) Avoid intruding, disrupting or disrespecting survivors Name, CERT, Name Keep answers short and simple Explain role in brief detail, Unit 7: Disaster Psychology 7-18

19 Psychological First Aid Outside of Triage Assess Assess the need. Say the need. Actively listen, ask questions, and observe to find the type of need Medical, practical, social, psychological Ask important questions two different ways Get the Yes Expect to have directions or instructions questioned Overcome distrust of authority, Unit 7: Disaster Psychology 7-19

20 Psychological First Aid Outside of Triage Direct Medical (injuries, medication, assistive equipment, health concerns) Practical (shelter, food, water) Social (reunification and communication) Psychological (distress, substance disorders, chronic mental health conditions), Unit 7: Disaster Psychology 7-20

21 Psychological First Aid Outside of Triage Direct (cont d) Difficult Reactions Use their name Short, simple instructions Praise engagement or actions Dazed or Passive: gently refocus Crying or Grieving: respect differences in displays and triggers of grief Worried: provide facts, admit what is not known, and give them something to do Panicky: breathing or focusing Angry: Safe, Calm, Caring, Competent, Unit 7: Disaster Psychology 7-21

22 How to Be an Empathetic Listener Put yourself in the speaker s shoes Listen for meaning, not just words Pay attention to nonverbal communication Paraphrase the speaker 7-22

23 Avoid Saying I understand Don t feel bad You re strong or You ll get through this Don t cry It s God s will It could be worse At least you still have Everything will be okay 7-23

24 Managing the Death Scene Cover the body; treat it with respect Move the body to temporary morgue Follow local laws and protocols Talk with local authorities 7-24

25 Informing Family/Friends of a Death Separate the family member(s) or friend(s) Have the person(s) sit down Make eye contact I m sorry, but your family member has died. I am so sorry. Let the family and friends grieve 7-25

26 Unit Summary Rescues may be unpleasant or uncomfortable Psychological and physiological symptoms of trauma Take steps to reduce stress CISD is one intervention Four emotional phases of a disaster Stress affects cognition, health, and interactions Stabilize individuals Be an empathetic listener 7-26