Any situation that results in an overwhelming sense of vulnerability or loss of control. (Roger Solomon, Ph.D.)

Any situation faced by emergency service personnel that causes them to experience unusually strong emotional reactions which have the potential to interfere with their ability to function either at the scene or later. (Jeff Mitchell, Ph.D.)

Critical Incidents

• Are sudden and unexpected!
• Disrupt our sense of control!
• Involve the perception of a life - damaging threat.
• May involve emotional or physical loss!

VIOLATE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT HOW THE WORLD WORKS: "This is not supposed to happen."

Stress is an expected part of the emergency service professions and is routinely managed  on a day to day basis. However, critical  incident stress can produce reactions which may interfere with or overwhelm emergency workers’ abilities to function or cope either at the scene or later.

CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS INFORMATION

You have experienced a traumatic event or a critical incident (any event that causes unusually strong emotional reactions that have the potential to interfere with the ability to function normally). Even though the event may be over, you may now be experiencing or may experience later, some strong emotional or physical reactions. It is very common, in fact quite normal, for people to experience emotional aftershocks when they have passed through a horrible event.

Sometimes the emotional aftershocks (or stress reactions) appear immediately after the traumatic event. Sometimes they may appear a few hours or a few days later. And, in some cases, weeks or months may pass before the stress reactions appear. 

The signs and symptoms of a stress reaction may last a few days, a few weeks, a few months, or
longer, depending on the severity of the traumatic event. The understanding and the support of loved ones usually cause the stress reactions to pass more quickly. Occasionally, the traumatic event is so painful that professional assistance may be necessary. This does not imply craziness or weakness. It simply indicates that the particular event was just too powerful for the person to manage by himself. 

Here are some common signs and signals of a stress reaction:

 

Physical*	Cognitive	Emotional	Behavioral
Chills                                       thirst fatigue nausea fainting twitches vomiting dizziness weakness chest pain headaches elevated BP rapid heart rate muscle tremors shock symptoms grinding of teeth visual difficulties profuse sweating difficulty breathing etc	confusion nightmares uncertainty hypervigilance suspiciousness intrusive images blaming someone poor problem solving poor abstract thinking poor attention/ decisions poor concentration/memory disorientation of time,        place or person difficulty identifying     objects or people heightened or     lowered alertness increased or decreased     awareness of     surroundings etc	fear guilt grief panic denial anxiety agitation irritability depression intense anger apprehension emotional shock emotional outbursts feeling overwhelmed loss of emotional      control inappropriate emotional     response   etc	withdrawal antisocial acts inability to rest intensified pacing erratic movements change in social     activity change in speech     patterns loss or increase of     appetite hyperalert to     environment increased alcohol      consumption change in usual       communication   etc

* Any of these symptoms may indicate the need for medical evaluation.

When in doubt, contact a physician.