MONTEREY PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL

 

This component is designed to quickly identify a significant critical incident, and triggers a four phase debriefing algorithm immediately from the incident. In the debriefing algorithm, Phase 1 and 2 are mandatory but phase 3 and 4 are at the discretion of the member(s) and/or Psychologist.  

 

Phase 1: Notification and Response

 

Once an incident is reported by the Incident Commander or Company Officer through our Significant Event Notification System, an email is immediately generated to the command staff along with the Health and Wellness Coordinator. This immediately triggers notifications to Dr. Scott and/or his associate Gwen Duyao to potentially be ready to respond to Fire Station 61 EOC. The Wellness Coordinator then consults telephonically with Dr. Scott and describes the nature and circumstances of the incident. If it meets the criteria for an immediate Formal Debriefing the incident escalates to Phase 2.  

 

Phase 2: Formal Debriefing

 

As soon as the debriefers arrive, they will begin to formally debrief all members involved in the incident. Upon the completion of the debriefing intervention by Dr. Scott and Peer Supporter Duyao, Dr. Scott will make a recommendation on what appropriate follow-up  actions (if any) to take with the impacted members.

 

Phase 3: Follow-Up Debriefing

 

This phase is the follow-up debriefing meeting with the members involved in the incident. This allows the members, as a group, to discuss any issues lingering or new feelings they may be having from the incident. At this time, Dr. Scott can assess each member’s progress from the original debrief. This session can also lead into individual break out sessions if needed or escalate to phase 4.

 

Phase 4: Individual Debriefing

 

The last phase is a private one-on-one session with the members involved in the incident. This provides our members an opportunity to discuss any and all emotions that still persist. This meeting gives Dr. Scott an assessment of the member’s progress and lets him know whether or not the member needs continuing care. 

 

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