Running head: CRISIS MANAGEMENT

Crisis Management

Briana G. Inestroza

Melissa M. Winn

Brigham Young University – Idaho

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Crisis Management

Each and every day there is some form of disaster, whether it be natural, such as an

earthquake or a hurricane, or whether it be an act of violence, such as a shooting or a bombing.

These events are emotionally and physically damaging, not only to the survivors, but also to the

individual’s family and friends, as well as the rescuers and healthcare team that treat and take

care of the victims. Everyone copes differently and in their own unique way. It is important for

all of the individuals involved in the crisis to know that there are available resources, such as

counseling and crisis hotlines that are designed to help with coping and management.

Research has found that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects between 30 and 40

percent of individuals that have experienced some form of trauma. This means that it is

important to provide help to these people as soon as possible. Psychological triage is similar to

medical triage that is completed after physical trauma, in that it is a way of assessing individuals

after a crisis and determining which individuals are in need of immediate help. This specific

triage is beneficial in identifying individuals that are most at risk for developing post-crisis

problems, such as PTSD. When these people have been identified, they are then turned to the

available resources, such as crisis hotline centers and counseling services. (Aleccia, 2013). Early

intervention is able to help prevent PTSD and other complications that may follow.

While triage is an important thing to do right after a crisis, there are other measures that

should be taken to ensure the best recovery possible for all of those involved. Critical Incident

Stress Debriefing (CISD) is a 7 phase, small group, supportive intervention process. These

groups are made for people who have encountered a similar life-changing traumatic event. The

group can be open to ones that have experienced a trauma but it is also used within the

workplace (Varcarolis, 2017). The group meetings allow for survivors and families to openly
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discuss what they are going through in a safe environment that is controlled. The CISD has also

been found to be effective within the workplace for those that provided services for the traumatic

event. The CISD allows for co-workers who have experienced a traumatic event to be able to

openly talk and move forward together as a unit. The goal in a work setting is to improve unit

function. (Varcarolis, 2017). It is important to note that CISD does not take the place of

counseling or psychotherapy. It is simply a support group to help others recover.

Due to the recent occurrence of school shootings, there has been a shift in stressing the

importance of the mental health of the nation’s children and their families. The National Child

Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) focuses on providing resources to the families of children

who have experienced any trauma (n.d.). The families are not only provided with more resources

but also tips and guidelines on how to help the child cope in an appropriate manner.

There are multiple options available to anyone who may be in need of crisis intervention.

Organizations have come together to make available resources such as hotlines, local crisis

centers, and online resources to look for help when other resources may be unavailable. Some of

the national help lines are listed below:

 The Disaster Distress Helpline – 1(800)-985-5990 available 24/7 for everyday of the year

 The National Crisis Hotline – Text “CONNECT” to 741741 to get in touch with a

professional who can aid you through a crisis 24/7 for everyday of the year

As the world faces disaster in its many different forms, it is crucial that the individuals

that are exposed to these crises know that there is help and many different available resources.

Whether it be in person, such as counseling, or online or over the phone through a hotline, there

are many resources available to help victims, family members, and rescue workers after they

have gone through a crisis.

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References

Aleccia, J. (2013). Crisis Counseling After a Disaster: Does Anything Really Help?

Retrieved June 9, 2018, from https://www.nbcnews.com/healthmain/crisis-counseling-

after-disaster-does-anything-really-help-2D11741673

C. (2015). Disaster Distress Helpline. Retrieved June 9, 2018, from

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Core Curriculum on Childhood Trauma.

Retrieved June 9, 2018, from https://www.nctsn.org/treatments-and-practices/core-

curriculum-childhood-trauma

National Crisis Hotline. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2018, from https://www.crisistextline.org/

Varcarolis, E. M., (2017). Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. St. Louis, MO:

Elsevier.