Citation

Sheetz T, Cox T. APWA Reporter 1994; 61(3): 20-21.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, American Public Works Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Critical incidents are events which can profoundly affect a person physically and emotionally. Often reactions appear immediately after the event, but they may appear hours, weeks or months later. Sights, sounds, and smells related to the incident can sneak up and create flashbacks, nightmares, sleep loss, physical illness and even death. This article gives an overview of the critical incident stress debriefing process (CISD), which is based on the known benefits of talking about an experience and venting thoughts and emotions. Specifically, the experience of the Public Works Department in Tempe, Arizona is discussed.