Critical Incident Support

Crisis Helplines

Supervisor / Manager Checklist — First 24–72h

1. Immediate debrief protocol. Arrange a structured debrief within 24 hours — within hours if possible. Use a trained peer or EAP counselor. Do not delay; unresolved impacts compound.
2. Crew welfare check responsibilities. Check in individually with each team member. Watch for withdrawal, anger, hypervigilance, or any deviation from baseline. Document concerns without over-medicalising.
3. When to escalate / call EAP. If a team member expresses suicidal ideation, discloses a history of trauma, or shows prolonged inability to function — activate the Employee Assistance Program immediately and consider a welfare referral.
4. Return-to-duty readiness assessment. Before a team member returns to operational duties, conduct a welfare conversation. Confirm they feel ready. Do not return someone to high-risk duties purely on operational pressure.
5. Documenting the incident. Ensure the incident is documented per your agency's requirements. Accurate records support future debriefs, workers' compensation claims, and peer support follow-up.

First Responder Self-Guide — First 24–72h

1. Physical self-care. Sleep when you can — even short periods help. Hydrate well. Eat something with protein and carbohydrates. Avoid alcohol and sedatives in the first 48 hours — they disrupt sleep architecture and can worsen emotional dysregulation.
2. Signs it may be becoming PTSD / when to seek help. Intrusive re-experiencing (flashbacks, nightmares), severe avoidance of reminders, heightened arousal (exaggerated startle, sleep disruption) that persists beyond two weeks — these are signals to contact your GP or an EAP provider.
3. Normal reactions vs. when to escalate. Strong emotional reactions, intrusive thoughts, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance — these are normal immediately after. They become a concern when they persist beyond two weeks, worsen over time, or interfere with your ability to function at home or on shift.
4. Peer support — reaching out vs. isolation trap. Isolation is a risk factor. Reach out to a trusted colleague or peer supporter, even if you do not feel like talking. Start with a text or a check-in call. You do not need to have words for what you're feeling — presence matters.
5. Family and friend communication. Tell those close to you that you have been through something difficult, even if you cannot share details. Let them know you may be more withdrawn or irritable than usual. Ask them to check in on you — giving others a task reduces the burden on you to initiate.

AU / NZ First Responder Organisations