Catherine Addy, Pam Cogal and Richard James
University of Memphis
College of Education
2628 Overlook Dr.
Germantown, TN 38138
Over the last 20 years, many studies have been undertaken to validate the efficacy of post trauma interventions with
emergency workers and crisis interventionists who experience vicarious traumatization. Research has found that police
officers, fire fighters, rescue personnel, and emergency medical workers, do develop PTSD due to the on-the-job stressors
related to trauma and crisis.
CISD has been billed as a panacea for vicarious traumatization. Emerging research indicates this approach may not be
universally effective. This program will detail and discuss a post trauma intervention that was conducted for police field
command level staff within the Memphis Police Department. Field command officers experience unique psychological and
political stressors that militate against the use of standard Critical Incident Stress Debriefing approaches. As a result, we
sought to use a novel "lieutenant in the crosshairs" approach to soliciting behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that otherwise
might not be shared with "head shrinkers."
Individuals who are in high stress level occupations and who are also in command level positions have unique stressors
that affect them. Their authority positions often militate against any kind of therapeutic catharsis. These individuals may
see standard CISD procedures as personally demeaning and professionally risky. As a result, emotions are 'bottled" and leak
out in the form of intra- and interpersonal difficulties that range from high blood pressure and alcohol abuse to divorce
and suicide.
We will describe the approach we used and invite the audience to brainstorm with us about how it might be delivered to
other professionals in crisis work who operate at management or command levels. Your comments on your experiences in
the treatment of crisis and trauma with other professionals and your own coping attempts will be welcomed and encouraged.
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