International Journal Of Emergency Mental Health[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Use of interpreters with crisis intervention teams, behavioral health units, and medical strike teams: responding appropriately and effectively.
Greenstone JL
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2010 · PMID 21138150
The methods of using an interpreter during crisis intervention, medical, and psychological procedures with a non-English speaking patient are often compromised by lack of proper training for both primary healthcare perso...
The methods of using an interpreter during crisis intervention, medical, and psychological procedures with a non-English speaking patient are often compromised by lack of proper training for both primary healthcare personnel and potential interpreters, and by misunderstandings about effective procedural guidelines. Training is paramount and not everyone can do this important job. Being a fluent speaker of several languages does not in itself make one an effective interpreter The purpose of this paper is to offer specific guidelines on what may be required in order to do successful interpretation.
The field of emergency mental health.
Miller L
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2010 · PMID 21138149
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Post-action staff support for the Concerns of Police Survivors Organization (COPS).
Mitchell JT
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2010 · PMID 20828091
This concept article presents an overview of a post-action staff support (PASS) session that has been effective in meeting many of the emotional needs of a large, diverse group of volunteers who serve as support personne...
This concept article presents an overview of a post-action staff support (PASS) session that has been effective in meeting many of the emotional needs of a large, diverse group of volunteers who serve as support personnel for grieving family members, significant others, and co-workers at the annual National Police Survivors Conference in the Washington, DC area. This particular approach to the PASS process is not a fixed, rigid approach. Instead, it is adaptable and flexible and it can be altered as necessary to suit specific populations with special needs. The key elements of the two-hour PASS session have evolved over many years to the current form presented in this article.
A time for renewal: a lessons-learned review on the role of CISM in caring for missionaries after the Rwandan genocide.
Feldbush MW, Mitchell JT
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2010 · PMID 20828090
In 1994 more than 800,000 people were killed in the Rwandan genocide. Seventh Day Adventist missionaries were forced to evacuate the country under conditions of extraordinary stress and personal threat. Their Church was...
In 1994 more than 800,000 people were killed in the Rwandan genocide. Seventh Day Adventist missionaries were forced to evacuate the country under conditions of extraordinary stress and personal threat. Their Church was faced with the necessity of rapidly developing a spectrum of support services to assist the distressed missionaries and their family members in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophe. Individual missionaries, and sometimes their entire family units, had witnessed horrific atrocities perpetrated against members of their congregations and the general public. In some situations of their own church members actively participated in the murders. Church leaders combined their efforts with the resources of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation to provide immediate, multifaceted support services to the missionaries and their families. This article briefly describes the breadth and depth of the specific Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program that was developed and provided to Rwandan Seventh Day Adventist missionaries in April of 1994. The results of a brief post-support evaluation survey are presented.
Treatment of PTSD in Rwandan child genocide survivors using thought field therapy.
Sakai CE, Connolly SM, Oas P
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2010 · PMID 20828089
Thought Field Therapy (TFT), which utilizes the self-tapping of specific acupuncture points while recalling a traumatic event or cue, was applied with 50 orphaned adolescents who had been suffering with symptoms of PTSD...
Thought Field Therapy (TFT), which utilizes the self-tapping of specific acupuncture points while recalling a traumatic event or cue, was applied with 50 orphaned adolescents who had been suffering with symptoms of PTSD since the Rwandan genocide 12 years earlier. Following a single TFT session, scores on a PTSD checklist completed by caretakers and on a self-rated PTSD checklist had significantly decreased (p < .0001 on both measures). The number of participants exceeding the PTSD cutoffs decreased from 100% to 6% on the caregiver ratings and from 72% to 18% on the self-ratings. The findings were corroborated by informal interviews with the adolescents and the caregivers, which indicated dramatic reductions of PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, bedwetting, depression, isolation, difficulty concentrating, jumpiness, and aggression. Following the study, the use of TFT on a self-applied and peer-utilized basis became part of the culture at the orphanage, and on one-year follow-up the initial improvements had been maintained as shown on both checklists.
Training community therapists to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy in the aftermath of disaster.
Hamblen JL, Norris FH, Gibson L … +1 more , Lee L
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2010 · PMID 20828088
In this paper we examine the effectiveness of disseminating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Postdisaster Distress (CBT-PD) to community therapists in Baton Rouge, Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina. One hundred four...
In this paper we examine the effectiveness of disseminating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Postdisaster Distress (CBT-PD) to community therapists in Baton Rouge, Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina. One hundred four therapists attended a two-day training in CBT-PD with on-going case consultation. Pre- and post-training, therapists rated eight core cognitive behavioral therapy elements on their importance, how well they understood how to deliver the element, and how confident they were in their ability to deliver the element. Post-training they completed a CBT-PD knowledge questionnaire and session fidelity forms. Seventy-seven clients completed satisfaction questionnaires and reported on how often they utilized the skills taught in CBT-PD. Therapists showed significant improvements in their ratings of the importance of various elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, their knowledge and understanding of those elements, and their confidence that they could use them effectively. Immediately following the training 90% of therapists demonstrated excellent retention of CBT-PD. Self-report measures from both therapists and clients indicated that critical session elements were delivered. This work suggests that CBT-PD can be applied in a real-world setting and that community therapists can be trained in relatively short time spans with on-going support. This finding is especially important in the disaster field given that communities are likely to find themselves in emergency situations in which a number of non-expert trauma therapists will need to deliver trauma services.
The use of psychological first aid (PFA) training among nurses to enhance population resiliency.
Everly GS, Barnett DJ, Sperry NL … +1 more , Links JM
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2010 · PMID 20828087
Disaster mental health research has found that psychological casualties from a given disaster can be expected to far outnumber physical casualties. Amidst a shortage of mental health professionals and against the backdro...
Disaster mental health research has found that psychological casualties from a given disaster can be expected to far outnumber physical casualties. Amidst a shortage of mental health professionals and against the backdrop of natural disasters, continued terrorism, and pandemic influenza, there is a striking need to expand and operationalize available human resources to enhance the psychological resiliency of those affected. Through the utilization of psychological first aid (PFA) as an early crisis intervention tool, and by virtue of their occupation and experience, nurses are particularly well-suited to assume a leadership role in expanding the disaster mental health presence beyond the existing cadre of mental health clinicians. Here, we characterize the importance of integrating PFA in the context of other nursing functions, to augment mental health surge capacity in disaster settings.
On-scene crisis intervention: psychological guidelines and communication strategies for first responders.
Miller L
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2010 · PMID 20828086
Effective emergency mental health intervention for victims of crime, natural disaster or terrorism begins the moment the first responders arrive. This article describes a range of on-scene crisis intervention options, in...
Effective emergency mental health intervention for victims of crime, natural disaster or terrorism begins the moment the first responders arrive. This article describes a range of on-scene crisis intervention options, including verbal communication, body language, behavioral strategies, and interpersonal style. The correct intervention in the first few moments and hours of a crisis can profoundly influence the recovery course of victims and survivors of catastrophic events.
Disaster non-preparedness: the orange bag denial.
Greenstone JL
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2010 · PMID 20828085
If denial exists anywhere, it exists here. The seemingly unconscious process of refusing those implements of survival that might be needed during a disaster scenario because acceptance also means acceptance of the likeli...
If denial exists anywhere, it exists here. The seemingly unconscious process of refusing those implements of survival that might be needed during a disaster scenario because acceptance also means acceptance of the likelihood of a disaster occurring, is the focus here. Disasters do and will occur. Refusal of the implements of survival denies that reality. Acceptance confirms it. Perhaps acknowledgement of this process will impact the individual's frame of reference or psychological structuring, and thereby affect observed behavior (Sherif& Sherif 1956).
Preparing for disaster deployment: suggestions for the disaster responder.
Ottenstein RJ
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2010 · PMID 20828084
The purpose of this article is to help disaster relief workers to adequately prepare for responding to a disaster. It is intended to be a practical guide based on the author's many experiences in providing relief work th...
The purpose of this article is to help disaster relief workers to adequately prepare for responding to a disaster. It is intended to be a practical guide based on the author's many experiences in providing relief work throughout the world. This article addresses physical and mental health, personal safety, comfort and communication needs.
Living in a time of disasters.
Miller L
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2010 · PMID 20828083
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Testifying in court: practical strategies for public safety, emergency services, and mental health professionals.
Miller L
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2009 · PMID 20524510
Testifying in court can be an opportunity or an ordeal for public safety, emergency services, and mental health personnel, depending on the stakes involved and the status of the professional--fact witness, expert witness...
Testifying in court can be an opportunity or an ordeal for public safety, emergency services, and mental health personnel, depending on the stakes involved and the status of the professional--fact witness, expert witness, or defendant. This article provides practical guidelines for effective courtroom testimony, including understanding your role in the legal process, knowing your case, preparing your testimony, using optimal presentation strategies, manifesting appropriate demeanor and body language, answering questions, parrying challenges, and carrying yourself overall as a dignified professional.
A rationale for cognitively-based resilience and psychological first aid (PFA) training: a structural modeling analysis.
Everly GS, Smith KJ, Lating JM
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2009 · PMID 20524509
Based on the recommendations of Rodgers (2010) and practices by Smith, Davy, & Everly (2007) and Everly, Smith, and Welzant (2008), structural modeling was used in this investigation designed to better discern causal mec...
Based on the recommendations of Rodgers (2010) and practices by Smith, Davy, & Everly (2007) and Everly, Smith, and Welzant (2008), structural modeling was used in this investigation designed to better discern causal mechanisms within the cognitive-affective arousal construct that contribute to burnout, job dissatisfaction, turnover intention, and performance. The primary purpose of this study was to better inform those interested in program develop and clinical intervention of the nature of mechanisms of pathogenesis and resiliency. This study utilized the responses of the 491 individuals employed in public accounting. Results indicate that the cognitive-affective domain is an essential determinant of burnout, job dissatisfaction, turnover intention, and performance. Furthermore, cognitive states appear to exert their effect through affective arousal that subsequently appears to have a defining role in the development of the aforementioned variables.
Experience of critical incident stress among ambulance service staff and relationship to psychological symptoms.
Gallagher S, McGilloway S
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2009 · PMID 20524508
This two-stage study was undertaken to assess the extent and nature of Critical Incident Stress (CIS) amongst frontline staff in a large ambulance service in Ireland. In Stage One, 63% (112/180) of participants completed...
This two-stage study was undertaken to assess the extent and nature of Critical Incident Stress (CIS) amongst frontline staff in a large ambulance service in Ireland. In Stage One, 63% (112/180) of participants completed a Screening Questionnaire and the GHQ-12. In Stage Two, 27 participants, who had experienced a critical incident (CI) during the previous year completed several measures to assess PTSD symptomatology, burnout, health-related Quality of Life, and dispositional optimism. Eighty-one per cent (80/94) of the Stage One group reported that their health had been affected by a CI; 42% (44/106) were identified as 'cases' on the GHQ-12. Stage Two results indicated that 12 participants had PTSD symptoms while this entire group showed moderate levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, despite experiencing high levels of personal accomplishment and optimism. The findings suggest a high prevalence of CIS among ambulance personnel in Ireland and a significant impact on overall health and wellbeing. This has important implications for the effective management of CIS and suggests an important role for occupational health and organizational psychologists in providing routine support to ambulance service staff andpossibly other emergency services personnel.
A case for using biologically-based mental health intervention in post-earthquake china: evaluation of training in the trauma resiliency model.
Leitch L, Miller-Karas E
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2009 · PMID 20524507
Catastrophic events, such as the Sichuan Province earthquake in China on May 12, 2008, cause massive suffering. They put a huge strain on local response capacities because of distress of the civilian population and also...
Catastrophic events, such as the Sichuan Province earthquake in China on May 12, 2008, cause massive suffering. They put a huge strain on local response capacities because of distress of the civilian population and also death and traumatization of local responders. Mental health approaches are needed that are efficient and that help provide stabilization to both responders and civilians. The article has two goals: First, to present a rationale for the use of a biologically-based model of mental health, the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), in post-disaster settings and, second, to present evaluation results of TRM training, mental health training focused on the biology of threat and fear with corresponding treatment skills provided as part of the China Earthquake Relief Project (CHERP). TRM training was provided to a non-random sample of more than 350 doctors, nurses, teachers, and counselors during a 18 month period after the earthquake. TRM training was provided in six cities to expand local response capacity by providing didactic sessions and practice in TRM's trauma treatment skills. CHERP's focus on acquisition of practical treatment skills and local sustainability provided TRM skills refresher training sessions over the entire course of the project. The Training Relevance, Use, and Satisfaction Scale (TRUSS) and the Training Evaluation Form (TEF) were used throughout the months of training and supervised practice. Results indicate 97% believe that biologically-oriented TRM training will be very to moderately relevant or useful for their work with the Chinese earthquake survivors, and about 88% report they will use the skills very to moderately frequently during the two weeks following the training. Over 60% of the trainees report they will use TRM skills for their own self-care.
Creating a critical incident stress program: a firefighter's transition from client to counselor.
Jeannette J
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2009 · PMID 20524506
The author recounts the circumstances, beginning in the late 1980s, that lead to the creation of Windsor Fire and Rescue's (WFRS) Peer Counseling and Critical Incident Stress Team. These include his more than 20 year jou...
The author recounts the circumstances, beginning in the late 1980s, that lead to the creation of Windsor Fire and Rescue's (WFRS) Peer Counseling and Critical Incident Stress Team. These include his more than 20 year journey from being a firefighter in need of counseling to being asked to become WFRSS mental health professional.
A study of stress affecting police officers in Lithuania.
Zukauskas G, Ruksenas O, Burba B … +2 more , Grigaliuniene V, Mitchell JT
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2009 · PMID 20524505
This research study aims to identify the key stresses encountered by police officers in Lithuania in 2003. A questionnaire was distributed to officers working in police departments throughout Lithuania. The 2003 results...
This research study aims to identify the key stresses encountered by police officers in Lithuania in 2003. A questionnaire was distributed to officers working in police departments throughout Lithuania. The 2003 results were a compared with a similar study carried out among male and female police officers in Lithuania 1999. The stressors determined to have the greatest negative effects were administrative problems, family problems, and an ineffective criminal justice system. Identified consequences of police stress included depression, alcoholism, physical illness, and suicide. Dealing with stressful situations led to more frequent physical illness in female police officers and higher alcohol consumption in male police officers. This paper confirms the findings of previous studies. It adds to the knowledge of the unique stresses affecting police officers. It briefly explores the consequences of stress in police work. Since the study represents a small sample of the 15,000 police officers in Lithuania, caution is urged in the application of the findings to other police departments.
Crises are complex events and so the responses to them must be multifaceted.
Miller L
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2009 · PMID 20524504
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
You're it! How to psychologically survive an internal investigation, disciplinary proceeding, or legal action in the police, fire, medical, mental health, legal, or emergency services professions.
Miller L
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2009 · PMID 20437849
Rightly or wrongly, law enforcement, public safety, medical, mental health, legal, and emergency services professionals may have to face internal investigation, disciplinary measures, license suspension, criminal prosecu...
Rightly or wrongly, law enforcement, public safety, medical, mental health, legal, and emergency services professionals may have to face internal investigation, disciplinary measures, license suspension, criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits, and/or personal life disruption related to actions taken in the course of their work. This article describes the main categories of misconduct--or simply mistakes--that can cause different types of professionals to be investigated, charged, prosecuted, and/or sued. It next discusses the kinds of psychological reactions commonly seen in workers who face these kinds of proceedings. Finally, the article offers a set of practical psychological coping strategies and procedural recommendations for dealing with the stresses of an investigation, administrative action, or litigation, and for mitigating their effects on one's life and career.
Peer Support Action Plan: Northwest Fire and Rescue.
Dowdall-Thomae C, Culliney S, Piechura J
Int J Emerg Ment Health · 2009 · PMID 20437848
Cumulative stress among firefighters may present as behavior changes that could be considered destructive for an individual and for the fire crew on which they serve. Through the use of effective leadership and open comm...
Cumulative stress among firefighters may present as behavior changes that could be considered destructive for an individual and for the fire crew on which they serve. Through the use of effective leadership and open communication between personnel, destructive behaviors may be mitigated before a cascade of poor decisions affects the health and livelihood of the individual and those around him/her The Peer Support Action Plan presents several different intervention techniques in order to best cope with destructive behaviors, while providing follow-up and continued support by a trained Peer Support Action Team. The Peer Support Action Plan is not a disciplinary measure nor is it a guarantee of continued employment, but rather a coaching and support strategy to correct behaviors and keep firefighters at their optimum level of functioning and performance through coping efficacy (problem focused and seeking social support).
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