Everyone knows coming into this field, that we are going to face deaths at one time or another. Some escape it for months, if not years in their careers. I could tell you about every call I’ve had that involved a death. I’m not sure if that is healthy or not, but that is just the way it is. And of course, with each one, there is a single detail that I remember most. That one little detail that you focused on and acts as the placeholder in your brain for the events. Kind of like the Dewey Decimal system at the library. Piercing Blue Eyes – Traumatic code: May 2002.
Living in a small town, you will drive by the house, the field, the intersection or down that road. It is just inevitable. And from that, I honestly believe that any call that involves a death should require an automatic stress debriefing. It is far too easy to say “I’m good” and ignore it.
I don’t think that we utilize them enough. Sure we all process death and dying differently, but if it is mandated, then there is less chances of someone not getting one because someone else didn’t feel the needed it. Really, I honestly think they aren’t utilized nearly enough.
3 comments:
I like the imagery in your stories, Bernice. It's good writing!
On the other hand, do you realize that CISM is based on junk science, and has been debunked by just about every reputable psychiatric authority as being more harmful than helpful?
Short version: It's best to allow people their own coping mechanisms, because those mechanisms work best for those people. Reliving the ordeal in a debriefing is counterproductive for most.
People go play video games, go take a walk, do outdoor recreation, play with their pets spend some time off with their families, meditate, pray or write blog posts...all of which are more effective coping mechanisms than airing your feelings in front of half a dozen others in a formal CISD.
You'd do better by letting each person deal with it in their own way, and keeping an eye on your partners for signs of stress. The ones that aren't dealing with the incident well, need psychiatric counseling, from a mental health professional, not a CISM team leader.
I say this from the perspective of having been formally trained as a CISM team leader, by the way, one who has led a number of debriefings.
Thank you for the perspective. I guess I was looking at it from the side of asking for one and not getting it. Perhaps a follow up from an officer or the person in charge of the scene would be better.
Thanks again for the insight!
Bernice,
Like I said, I am new to your blog so I am catching up with your earlier posts. Regarding the comment by Ambulance Driver on CISM, I think he's jaded, overly impressed with his own ideas and basically full of it on this. And, yes, I have read and enjoyed his blog, it may even be the one that led me to yours. Yes, everyone does have their own coping mechanism. It's up to the CISM team to bring that out. Don't know how they do it in his neck of the woods, but here in our little upstate NY area, we try to give them hints to find the best one for them. Talking about something helps most people. A stress debriefing gives them a place to do it, where they don't have to worry about 'the guys' thinking they're a sissy-pants. Ah, I could go on and on and on (and frequently do) but I will say again, I think he's whistlin' Dixie when he says the sessions are based on junk science and are harmful - I wonder who his experts are? I've been on both sides, giving and getting and I believe they help. Go with what you truly believe; don't let one person's thinking turn you away unless you truly think you and your department/friends/coworkers can all get through a tough one on their own.
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