Being "the wife" of a firefighter/EMT also involves a process of debriefing within itself.
In most cases, my volunteer firefighter/EMT is pretty resilient and many incidents roll off his back, however, he would not be a caring, normal human if never affected by some of the calls. A most recent one comes to mind; a roll over car accident involving seven young people, all intoxicated, was one of "those" calls.
He came in the door and I saw a look on his face unfamiliar to me. I knew in an instant that this incident had stuck to him like fly paper. "Are you okay?", I said. Of course the answer was, "Oh yeah, I'm fine". I guess he momentarily forgot how well I know him. I am also somewhat unofficially educated by your team, having read and grammatically scrutinized many of the newsletter articles.
The matter was dealt with, we called all of our children just to check in and hear their voices, the healing took place and life went on as usual. I realized that day what an impact it had on me and thought about the impact it must have on the partners who deal with this on a daily basis. On a mental, physical and spiritual level emotions are carried into the home and affect the family although on a more subliminal level. I believe the partners of people who serve their community in this way automatically get "trained" by the ones who have officially been trained.
Recognition and support by family members is essential to the healing process (and I know I can speak for other partners too) we are all so proud of what you do and the service you give to others.

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A Defusing

The debriefing consists of three phases which contain all seven phases.

Phase 1: Introduction

The importance of the introduction is paramount in a defusing as it is in a debriefing. Ground rules are detailed; confidentiality, participation, it is a discussion about reactions, time frame of defusing and this is a tool like a thermometer for us to use.

Phase 2: Exploration

This phase consists of a combination of the fact, thought, reaction and symptom phases. It is important here to paint the big picture for everyone involved to see. Not everyone has to speak and everyone should leave this phase knowing the big picture. Could anyone see a "silver lining"?

Phase 3: Information

In this phase teaching and re-entry are the keys. Bringing people back to the present while describing potential SX to be aware of and how to handle them; what to avoid, and some things to include. Add using the one-on-one process. Reassurance and inviting a plan of action to be followed by participants.

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T-Shirts

The t-shirts are done and done very nice. You can still order yours at this month's meeting or contact Linda at 895.4912 or TUDYE4@aol.com.
They cost only $14.00. That's a deal for a quality shirt.

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