Bid : $RACESBUL.279


TO:    ALL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCIES VIA AMATEUR RADIO
INFO:  ALL RACES OPERATORS IN CA (ALLCA: OFFICIAL)
       ALL AMATEURS U.S.         (@ USA: INFORMATION)
FROM:  CA STATE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (W6HIR @ WA6NWE.CA)
       2800 Meadowview Rd., Sacramento, CA  95832  (916)262-1600
       Landline BBS open to all: (916) 262-1657
RACESBUL.279                                 DATE: June 21, 1993
SUBJECT: OPS - CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS
     This is a topic we hope you don't experience, but if you do,
perhaps this material may assist.
     "Normal emotional reactions and accompanying symptoms
experienced by emergency response personnel as responses to
abnormal events are characterized as critical incident stress.
     "Repression of these reactions can be unhealthy, especially
for those who are exposed to this situation time and again.
Agencies where the responders meet this situation repeatedly,
such as the fire service, use critical incident stress debriefing
(CISD). This provides  an  organized  approach in an atmosphere
that allows for emotional ventilation and support, and provides
the information that will allow them to better cope with the
tragedies they may experience (like holding a person who dies in
their arms)."
     This came from an article in a CDF publication by Dan
Oliver, CDF Safety Coordinator, who concluded, "...we are all
human beings and we all have feelings which can be deeply scarred
by these traumatic incidents. So talk about it, grieve over it
and know that your being there did make a difference."

Note: Excellent pamplet: "Prevention and Control of Stress Among
Emergency Workers" DHHS Publication No. (ADM) 88-1497, Alcohol,
Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration, Nat'l Institute of
Mental Health, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Md 20857    eom