A traumatic event, known in the workplace as a critical incident, is a crisis event that shocks you, creating an unusually strong emotional reaction either during or after the event. The impact of the critical incident may interfere with your normal coping abilities.
Critical Incidents may...
- Be unexpected
- Involve personal danger or loss
- Create uncertainty
- Expose you to shocking sights, sounds or smells
Examples include:
- Serious work-related injury of a fellow employee
- Major and/or multiple casualty incidents encountered in the line of duty
- Personal involvement with a victim
- Hostage taking
- High level of responsibility associated with an incident
Critical Incident Stress (CIS) is the reaction of normal people experiencing normal responses to abnormal events called critical incidents.
The stress response may be immediate or delayed, and may be triggered by one event or by a series of events.
Everyone reacts to a critical incident differently, depending on many factors including the type of event, length of incident, personal stress levels, and the amount of support provided, following the incident.
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- Flashbacks
- Restlessness
- Numbness
- Disturbed sleep
- Grief
- Sadness
- Anger
- Guilt
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Disorientation
- Stomach upset
- Appetite changes
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Headache
- Recognize your reactions to the incident are normal
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat well and avoid caffeine
- Avoid using alcohol or drugs to numb your feelings
- Discuss your reactions with others or write in a journal
- Get some exercise
- Be kind to yourself
- Spend time with supportive family, friends and co-workers
- Postpone any major life decisions
- Seek medical attention if physical symptoms are troubling or persistent
- Remember most CIS reactions subside quickly, usually in a few weeks
- Consider seeking individual assistance from your EFAP
If you are a VIHA employee and you (or a group of your co-workers) experience a critical incident, your manager/supervisor can arrange for one or more of the following:
CIS Defusing - Offers stability & support to a work group on-site immediately after an incident.
CIS Debriefing - A group discussion provided 1-14 days after a particularly traumatic event that can help reduce any lingering after-effects.
As well, individuals can initiate one-to-one counseling sessions at any time by contacting Interlock directly (see below for contact information).
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Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the CIS Program, and strict guidelines regarding confidentiality are maintained. The names of individuals involved or their conversations are not recorded.
CIS defusing and debriefing are separate from any organizational review or investigation. Their goal is to provide information and support to you following a critical incident.
Whenever a CIS debriefing is held, confidentiality is the first ground rule to be established. Whatever experiences you choose to discuss remain in confidence.
For group support contact your Manager/Supervisor ASAP.
After receiving a request, the manager/supervisor should call VIHA's Critical Incident Pager at (250) 978 - 3370.
A representative from the Wellness & Safety Department will work with that individual and the service provider to arrange the necessary session(s).
For individual assistance, call Interlock Employee and Family Assistance Corporation of Canada:
Toll-Free: 1-800-663-9099
Emergency After Hours: 1-800-324-9988
Finally, for general information regarding the EFAP or Critical Incident Stress Counseling Services, please contact a Wellness & Safety Department office in your area.
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