Critical Incident Response

The Employee Assistance Program includes practitioners with specialised and ongoing training in critical incident stress management. This approach uses a comprehensive, integrated and evidence based framework of crisis intervention support.

All responses follow established Critical Incident Stress Management guidelines, with a strong focus on confidentiality, privacy and safety. Support is delivered using the SAFER‑R Model of Individual Crisis Intervention, which promotes stabilisation, understanding and recovery following a crisis.

Support may include:

• Defusing
  A short, supportive intervention provided as soon as possible, usually within 12 hours of the incident concluding. Defusing offers an opportunity to reduce immediate distress, provide reassurance and identify anyone who may need additional support.
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
  Where appropriate, debriefing is provided between 24 and 72 hours after the incident. Using the Mitchell Model, this structured session can be delivered in a group setting or individually if required. Participants are gently guided through a series of stages including introduction, facts, thoughts, reactions, symptoms, education and re‑entry.
• Psychological triage and referral
  Each response includes an assessment of an individual’s ability to function safely. Some people may experience a heightened response due to previous trauma, and additional or ongoing support may be recommended where needed.
• Flexible delivery options
  Support can be provided face to face, by phone or virtually, depending on the situation and location.
• Crisis Management Briefing
  A Crisis Management Briefing can be delivered to small or large groups to share clear, accurate and appropriate information in a timely and supportive way.

Critical Incident Response is designed to reduce distress, support recovery and help individuals and teams regain a sense of safety and stability following a traumatic event.

This service is designed to help individuals and teams feel supported, informed and safe during the immediate aftermath of a critical incident.

Responses are available statewide, with support coordinated from CatholicCare Tasmania sites across Tasmania. Critical Incident Response Teams can attend onsite or provide support through other appropriate methods.

For further information phone 1800 819 447 or complete the contact form below.

The sessions are free for eligible employees and their families with the cost, with the cost covered by the employer.