Critical Incident Stress Syndrome 5

SARBC

Search and Rescue Society of British Columbia

1. Magnitude of the disaster

2. The duration of the exposure

3. The degree of personal danger

4. The individual's personality and emotional stability

5. The coping mechanisms developed from past experiences

6. The role of the worker

7. The frequency of similar experiences

8. The individual's expectations

9. The individual's training in CISS

10. A recent tragedy in the individual's life

11. The support and understanding of fellow-workers

12. The support and understanding of management

13. Ostracism by co-workers, family, or the general public

14. Media interference

15. Personal acquaintance with the victim(s)

REACTIONS OF CISS

PHYSICAL REACTIONS                              EMOTIONAL REACTIONS

Gastro-Intestinal problems, or nausea           Anxiety

Muscle tremors                                  Denial - repression of feelings

Increased breathing, heartbeat of blood         Guilt
pressure
                                                Anger
Exhaustion alternating with "carbonated"
feeling (adrenaline overproduction -            Mood swings from giddiness to
dangerous)                                      despair

Temporary hearing loss                          Loss of self-worth and self-
                                                confidence
Temporary impaired vision
                                                Grief
Sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares)
                                                Fear
Eating problems
                                                Helplessness
Sexual problems
                                                Depression

COGNITIVE REACTIONS

Disorientation

Impaired thought processes

Reduced judgement and memory

Comprehension problems

Inability to concentrate

Loss of skills

Amnesia

Inability to distinguish between trivial and important matters

THINGS TO DO TO HELP YOU THROUGH

Immediately following the activity stage, do vigorous exercises for a short period of time.

Deal with feelings now or they'll deal with you later.

Talk it out with each other and with friends and family.

Help each other.

Remember it's OK to have feelings.

Remember the symptoms will subside.

If your progress is not to your satisfaction - SEEK HELP.

Take pride in what you have accomplished.

Exercise to reduce stress.

Relax by deep muscle relaxation technique
Relax by deep breathing exercises
Relax by yoga

Eat regularly and well (Vitamin B supplement may be required).

Have fun - laugh.

Make short-term plans to keep you busy and interested.

Do not use drugs, alcohol, coffee or too much sugar.