Police Psychology

WHAT IS A CRITICAL INCIDENT?

by Dr. Saxe-Clifford

A critical incident is a specific event that is outside the range of normal experience. Elements common in critical incidents include unusually threatening, dangerous, emotionally loaded and or highly unpleasant contact. Sometimes a critical incident lasts only seconds (a shooting) and sometimes an event can drag on for hours or days (a rescue operation) Typically incidents involving the death or injury of a child or of another public safety officer are described as traumatic. Exposure to direct and immediate danger (such as a physical attack) or less direct or long term danger (possible aids contact) can also be unusually traumatic. Even a news report of an incident can contribute to a stress reaction to an event.

CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS

Stress in life is normal. In fact, most people who choose public safety professions perform well and even thrive on a fast pace and periods of more than average stress. However, there are incidents that are "above and beyond’ what is usually encountered in the work place. Psychologists refer to these events as critical incidents. An individual's reaction to any critical incident can range from almost no reaction at all to a major emotional upset with multiple and long lasting symptoms

After years working with public safety personnel involved in a wide range of critical incidents I can not predict a particular persons reaction to a particular event. A very strong stable person involved in what most people would consider to be a minor event may have a dramatic reaction while someone who is emotionally fragile may have no reaction at all to an incident most people would consider to be an unbelievably traumatic. The point is, do not assume a reaction will or will not occur because of what you or anyone else thinks is the "appropriate" reaction to a particular critical incident.

Signs & Symptoms of Acute Distress:

Behavioral:

change in activity level, hyperactive or sluggish
less or more communicative, increased smoking
change in interactions with others, withdrawal or need to be with others, excessive humor
increased or decreased food intake
overly vigilant to environment, unusual behavior
increased alcohol intake
avoidance behavior
acting out or antisocial acts
angry outbursts
suspiciousness
intensified fatigue
more frequent visits to physician for nonspecific complaints

Emotional:

anticipatory anxiety, denial, fear, survivor guilt
uncertainty of feelings, depression grief
feeling abandoned, worried, angry, wanting to hide
feeling numb, identifying with the victim
feeling alienated, disenchanted
panic, generalized anxiety
intensified or reduced emotional reactions

Coping During the Incident:

be active and take breaks
find some sort of meaning or importance in your job
control humor and emotions
eat and rest well
rotate workers
use peer, clergy and mental health support workers

When To Seek Additional Assistance:

intense feelings of discomfort
significant symptoms which persist longer than six weeks
suicidal thoughts or planning
other self-destructive acting out (sexual, aggressive or substance)
intense family conflict
feel like losing control of impulses
just want to check in to see if you’re "normal"

Where To Seek Additional Assistance:

thru the Department
non-department psychologist or mental health worker (MFCC or LCSW) – call your health insurance plan for a referral or get a referral from someone you trust

Cognitive:

confusion, lowered attention span
memory problems, calculation difficulties
poor concentration, flashbacks, distressing dreams
disruption in logical thinking, blaming others
death preoccupation
difficulties with decision making
heightened or lowered alertness
increased or decreased awareness of surroundings
preoccupation with vulnerability
repeated review of the incident

Physical:

nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, dry mouth
profuse sweating, chills, rapid heart rate
muscle aches, shakes, feeling uncoordinated
vision problems, fatigue, sleep disturbance

Coping After the Incident:

eat well – AVOID CAFFEINE, ALCOHOL, SALT, SUGAR and FAT – drink more fluids (water and fruit juices), eat complex carbohydrates, low-fat or non-fat foods, whole grain bread
get rest
physical exertion exercise as soon as possible after demobilization, moderate intensity to work out potentially damaging stress chemicals
attend and participate in debriefing when possible
view your reactions as normal reactions to an abnormal situation – anyone who experienced what you did may feel the same way
allow yourself the freedom to talk about your reactions to what happened
avoid boredom
seek peer, clergy or professional assistance as necessary
allow yourself time to heal
work on accepting that anyone in your situation would have responded similarly
talk with your family, check in with your peers
use crisis as opportunity for growth and positive change