Critical Incident Peer Support for Law Enforcement

Module Three: Responsibilities of a Critical Incident Peer Supporter

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Learning Objectives

The participant will be able to explain the responsibilities of a critical incident peer supporter.

Participant will be able to:▫ Recognize critical incident stress reactions.▫ Identify coping strategies.▫ Describe the process for referral of a peer.▫ Recognize how to train law enforcement in suicide

prevention.▫ Identify the issues related to peer support programs.

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Module Overview

Stress reactions Coping strategies Suicide prevention Referrals Peer support program

issues

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Module Three Introduction Video

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Recognizing Critical Incident Stress Reactions

Manifestations of typical stress symptoms Duration of the reaction will depend on:

▫ Severity and duration of the event▫ Meaning of the event▫ Prior coping behavior▫ Professional and personal support system

Level of functioning as indicator of need for professional assistance

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Physical Reactions to Stress

Chest pain Irregular heartbeat Difficulty breathing Fainting or dizziness Collapse Unusually high blood

pressure

Numbness or paralysis of body parts

Excessive dehydration

Frequent vomiting Blood in stool

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Coping Strategies

Unhealthy coping strategies Healthy coping strategies Coping with specific symptoms

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Unhealthy Coping Strategies

Use of drugs or alcohol Social isolation Dropping out of activities Anger Continuous avoidance Working all the time –

“workaholic”

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Healthy Coping Strategies

Exercise, physical activity, or leisure

Relaxation techniques Sufficient sleep Proper diet and nutrition Humor Diversion or distraction Cognitive reframing Hobbies Emotional outlets Finding someone to talk to

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Exercise, Physical Activity, or Leisure

Aerobic Exercise (Cardiovascular)▫ Jogging▫ Running▫ Bicycling ▫ Swimming▫ Racquetball/squash▫ Tennis▫ Cross-country skiing

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Relaxation Techniques

Muscular relaxation exercises Breathing exercises Meditation Stretching Yoga Prayer Listening to quiet music Spending time in nature

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Sufficient Sleep

Many people cannot sleep when they are stressed and deal with the following problems:▫ Getting to sleep ▫ Waking up during the night▫ Disturbing dreams▫ Waking too early

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Proper Diet and Nutrition

American diet is heavy in fatty and starchy foods and lacks vitamins and minerals.

Proper diet and nutrition techniques: ▫ Foods to avoid▫ Anti-stress foods▫ Vitamins

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Humor

Good stress reducer—at home or work

Relieves muscular tension

Improves breathing Pumps endorphins—the

body’s natural painkillers—into the bloodstream

Dark humor

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Diversion or Distraction

Take time out. Get away from things that bother you. Calm down. Think logically.

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Cognitive Reframing

Cognitive distortions aren't helpful and can lead to dysfunctional responses and symptoms.

Cognitive reframing (changing the way you talk to yourself) allows you to begin to think in a more constructive way.

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Talking

Learn to talk openly and honestly with someone. Learn where you can display emotions. Learn to share your problems. Learn to discuss your feelings with someone you

trust.

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Coping with Specific Symptoms

Distressing memories, images, or thoughts Sudden feelings of anxiety or panic Flashbacks Trauma-related dreams or nightmares Difficulty falling or staying asleep Irritability, anger, and rage Difficulty concentrating Difficulty expressing positive emotions

Suicide Prevention

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Suicide Prevention

Recognizing risks for suicide is an important responsibility of the peer supporter.▫ Look for warning signs:

• Violanti’s IS PATH WARM

Intervention strategies:▫ AID LIFE▫ QPR▫ ALGEE

Rolling Backup Video

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Violanti’s IS PATH WARM

Ideation  Substance abuse 

Purposelessness Anxiety Trapped  Hopelessness

Withdrawal Anger   Recklessness Mood changes 

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AID LIFE

Ask the question. Intervene

immediately. Don’t keep it a secret. Locate help. Involve command. Find someone to stay

with the person. Expedite.

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QPR

Question the meaning of suicidal communication. Persuade the person to get help. Refer to competent counseling. QPR Web site (http://www.qprinstitute.com/)

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ALGEE

Assess for risk of suicide or harm.

Listen in a nonjudgmental way.

Give reassurance and information.

Encourage appropriate professional help.

Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

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Referrals

Referral is a process of getting affected peers the best help as quickly as possible.

If a referral is effective, the peer will feel better and work better. Future problems may be reduced.

Referrals help mitigate civil, legal, and ethical considerations.

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How to Make Referrals

Serve as a bridge by referring appropriately. Become familiar with and know your resources. Emphasize and reinforce that seeking help when

one needs it is a sign of strength and courage. Develop/recognize needed support systems.

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How to Make Referrals

Decide which category of clinician:▫ Experiencing signs of mental illness and may need

medication? Psychiatrist▫ Alcohol is the primary underlying problem? Treatment

center or clinician▫ Marriage or family issues? Family therapist▫ General issues? Individual therapist

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How to Make Referrals

Check with referral source to be certain that peer can be accepted.

Discuss with peer the reason for making referral. Help peer secure an appointment. Be available to accompany peer. Follow up afterward.

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Referral Procedure

Will the referral help? Is the peer willing to seek assistance other than

peer support? Do not force referrals—sell them. Don't become a guardian or the decision-maker

for your peer.

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Choosing a Referral Agency

Stay in touch with resources or referrals that may be used in the future.

Make sure the quality of the program is maintained.

Keep an eye out for new resources.

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Peer Support Program Issues

Legal issues Ethical issues Cultural issues

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Legal Issues

Communication Confidentiality Role conflicts

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Ethical Issues

Exercising power over the peer Gaining personally from

helping others Offering services without

having been trained Not limiting records of peer

support contacts

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Cultural Issues

Cultural differences▫ Trauma ▫ Personal space▫ Stereotypes

Gender differences▫ Flexibility

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Review—Check on Learning

What are critical incident stress reactions? What are two coping strategies a peer supporter

can use? How do you process a referral for a peer? How does QPR train law enforcement in suicide

prevention? What issues are related to peer support

programs?