STRESS PRESS Newsletter

Volume 5, Issue 01 January, 2002

Editor's Notes: Happy New Year! Welcome to the year 2002. Hopi Elders from Oraibi, Arizona told us, "This is it. The time is now. Give thanks for your life and those you share life with, even your enemies". AND, "We are the ones we've been waiting for".
Last year saw many things including some of our team taking a break or moving on. Lloyd, Paul, Wes and Vicki thank you for your time with us.
Life is good and we get to live it, each new day. Gene

Fearless Leader Message: Howdy All! Well, it is a new year and it looks like most people are happy and optimistic about that! We as a Nation, we in our own community and even here on our team, have all experienced a lot this year. I think it would be safe to say that many of us have not yet found our balance or our energy. We are not yet ourselves, not ready to settle into something that feels like complacency. But, perhaps that is one of the positives about the New Year. It may be the place and time where we gather our strength, take a deep breath and charge on. That is how the team felt at our January meeting. It was definitely "Lets get to work!". First up was an unveiling of sorts of our hot new Power Point presentation designed to be used as "In-service Training" for our corresponding agencies. And so, with the fanfare of trumpets and a marching band, Marlene introduced us to The Slide Show. Although the reviews are not officially in, like most controversial art (can anyone say Big Ugly Hands in front of our City Hall, or The Plow at the gateway of Chico?) the presentation generated lots of discussion. In all fairness, it turned out to be a productive use of time, with positive suggestions for Marlene at almost every new slide. I think it was important for us all to realize that we do know the language used to talk about what we do. It became very clear that how we tell people about both the effects of exposure to trauma and what we do as a team to address it, is something that we all are invested in. We just want to get it right, and I think we did. The next piece of the meeting, which was supposed to be a Mock Debriefing, ended up being an informative discussion about the practical Ins and Outs of both the Call-Up and the On-Scene Support Team Member. Over the next month, there will be several trainings for the CDF crews, which will include a Mass Casualty Exercise. Marlene has included having us practice along with them. So, we will have a Call-up person involved, who will send an On-Scene team member to the training scene. Real communication will take place to determine how our team could be or should be used in these types of situations. Questions addressed to I.C. at the scene will help us determine the appropriateness and ease at utilizing our team. Perhaps a variation of a Demobilization (if we cannot secure cots for napping, and food) maybe some inclusion of the 10 minute education component can be added, as a result of these exercises. Just one of the thoughts that were offered in the discussion. The next important topic that was addressed was how well we do with On-site Support. The ideas that were shared came from our team members that have walked in those shoes. Like many experiences on this team, we seem to learn something new from all of our ventures. Perhaps the most important lesson learned recently was, make sure that if you are the Call-Up Person, DON'T assume the role of the On-site Person. There needs to be a person sitting quietly, away from the scene making the decisions. This can help the On-Scene Person deflect, and reduce pressures of making decisions in the moment. The key seems to be, connect with the I.C. at the scene, gather information (carry a pad of paper), keep checking but don't get too involved. You are there to be the ears and eyes for the Call-Up Person, gathering information to assist them in making decisions about what our team may or may not do. You can be helpful in offering ideas on how to minimize problems of Emergency Workers at the Scene, or in some cases provide an ear for listening, but the biggest mistake is to get too involved with either the scene itself, or the role of making decisions for the team. Finally, plans are still in the works for sending a team back to New York in March, but more information still needs to be gathered. Most importantly, some of us ordered and paid for our new CISM Team Shirts. Hurry up and get your $18.00, color choice and shirt size to Ms. Dye before it is too late! Take care all, Your Fearless Leader, Kit.

Editor's correction: Last month in Dorothy's article she wrote "(and a co-worker or your significant other," not "of your significant other"

Reading Material Compliments from Anne
TRAUMA & RECOVERY by Judith Herman, M.D.
This book addresses CISD issues along with rape, Viet Nam vets, political prisoners and chronic childhood abuse.

What is CISM "On-Scene" Support?
Being an advisor or helper to the IC. Encourage the cycling of personnel and the bringing up-to-speed of those going into the Hot Zone. Be the eyes and ears for the Call-up person with questions like ³is there a need, what type and how soon?². Most important though is to stay insulated from the event itself. Stand back and stay neutral.