In recognition of the current COVID-19 crisis, we are meeting ONLINE for our classes until further notice. To learn more or to ask questions, contact Chaplain Linda by CLICKING HERE.
Achieving Workplace Homeostasis© Training
We know that people exposed to long-term trauma have a 20% chance at developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Sadly, there is research emerging that the trauma numbers for the COVID-19 pandemic may be over 90% because of its extended and universal nature. This trauma is not something that will just “go away” once businesses reopen and employees return to work because of lingering restrictions and limitations. We are already beginning to see how this trauma will impact virtually every aspect of our lives and especially our work environment.
Dr. Robert L. Perkins, PH.D, C.P.B.C.E.T.S., Professor of Applied Psychophysiology and Lead Facilitator at the Global Critical Incident Stress Foundation (GCISF), has looked at the data and his research indicates we need to anticipate that virtually all employees will have some level of trauma-related dysfunction from a PTSD-like response he has diagnosed as Post-COVID Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PCTSS). CLICK HERE to download the paper submitted to the New England Journal of Medicine.
Trauma alters a person’s thinking patterns, emotional responses, and even their biochemistry! That means employers need to anticipate PCTSS-generated depression, anxiety, difficulty responding to new situations, rigid thinking, defensiveness, paranoia, aggressiveness, over-reactivity to mild stress, and increased health problems. These classic trauma reactions mean the following PCTSS issues and the costs that go with them:
The cost of PCTSS will vary by business and direct data will not be available for at least another year. But PTSD costs resulting from large-scale disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes can be a guide. The Rand Corporation estimates that an employee suffering from PTSD costs an employer approximately $7,000 in expenses and wages per employee. Multiply that by 90% of your employees and you are looking at a major financial crisis on top of other COVID-19 business impacts. A trauma-informed business response is needed.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) has been a successful trauma-informed way to reduce PTSD and increase team cohesion for first responders since the 1990’s. Using its experience as the premier provider of CISD Certifications, the GCISF has created a new Program specifically tailored to businesses: A.W.H.© - Achieving Workplace Homeostasis© Training
A.W.H.© is a process that trains front line supervisors and HR professionals to work with employees at all levels to address and release much of the trauma and stress they have accumulated during the COVID-19 crisis. This in turn, reduces the potential for PCTSS PTSD and related business issues and costs. We are NOT talking about individual counseling or therapy. We are talking about a BUSINESS PROGRAM that addresses the needs of employers and employees so an organization can return to healthy team-cohesion and potentially improve revenue!
The main reason for implementing an A.W.H.© Program is ultimately the business bottom-line. Studies of PTSD victims over the last 20 years worldwide offers considerable empirical evidence on the effectiveness of crisis-intervention in virtually every kind of workplace. Taken together, the studies show a range of $3 up to an amazing $16.95 per dollar invested with an average return of $7.09 per $1 invested in trauma-intervention.
Certified training is available through ONLINE virtual university beginning May 1, 2020. To learn more and to schedule training contact Chaplain Linda Palmer at 805-697-6074 or Linda@RK-CCC.org.
Dr. Robert L. Perkins, PH.D, C.P.B.C.E.T.S., Professor of Applied Psychophysiology and Lead Facilitator at the Global Critical Incident Stress Foundation (GCISF), has looked at the data and his research indicates we need to anticipate that virtually all employees will have some level of trauma-related dysfunction from a PTSD-like response he has diagnosed as Post-COVID Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PCTSS). CLICK HERE to download the paper submitted to the New England Journal of Medicine.
Trauma alters a person’s thinking patterns, emotional responses, and even their biochemistry! That means employers need to anticipate PCTSS-generated depression, anxiety, difficulty responding to new situations, rigid thinking, defensiveness, paranoia, aggressiveness, over-reactivity to mild stress, and increased health problems. These classic trauma reactions mean the following PCTSS issues and the costs that go with them:
- Poor work performance and reduced productivity,
- Impaired communication and poor customer interactions,
- Risky behavior and increased number of accidents,
- Low group cohesion and difficulties working as a team,
- Increased medical expenses and absences,
- Increased disciplinary actions and terminations, and
- Workplace stress resulting in higher turnover.
The cost of PCTSS will vary by business and direct data will not be available for at least another year. But PTSD costs resulting from large-scale disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes can be a guide. The Rand Corporation estimates that an employee suffering from PTSD costs an employer approximately $7,000 in expenses and wages per employee. Multiply that by 90% of your employees and you are looking at a major financial crisis on top of other COVID-19 business impacts. A trauma-informed business response is needed.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) has been a successful trauma-informed way to reduce PTSD and increase team cohesion for first responders since the 1990’s. Using its experience as the premier provider of CISD Certifications, the GCISF has created a new Program specifically tailored to businesses: A.W.H.© - Achieving Workplace Homeostasis© Training
A.W.H.© is a process that trains front line supervisors and HR professionals to work with employees at all levels to address and release much of the trauma and stress they have accumulated during the COVID-19 crisis. This in turn, reduces the potential for PCTSS PTSD and related business issues and costs. We are NOT talking about individual counseling or therapy. We are talking about a BUSINESS PROGRAM that addresses the needs of employers and employees so an organization can return to healthy team-cohesion and potentially improve revenue!
The main reason for implementing an A.W.H.© Program is ultimately the business bottom-line. Studies of PTSD victims over the last 20 years worldwide offers considerable empirical evidence on the effectiveness of crisis-intervention in virtually every kind of workplace. Taken together, the studies show a range of $3 up to an amazing $16.95 per dollar invested with an average return of $7.09 per $1 invested in trauma-intervention.
Certified training is available through ONLINE virtual university beginning May 1, 2020. To learn more and to schedule training contact Chaplain Linda Palmer at 805-697-6074 or Linda@RK-CCC.org.
CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS DEBRIEFING
The primary purpose of a CISD(Critical Incident Stress Debriefing) Team, is to provide brief assistance to persons who have been subject to a Critical Stress Incident. A Critical Incident is an event that one experiences that produces trauma. While experiencing trauma, people can go through Fear, Panic, which have a wear and tear affect on the human body. In today’s culture, many people feel that expressing emotion or feelings is a sign of weakness and repress such feelings.
Unfortunately, human beings who have the inability to express or feel emotions can have a detrimental effect on the mental well being of the person. People, who experience Critical Incident Stress, need to be debriefed. Failure to do so can result in mild to serious depression, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and in many cases suicidal tendencies. Often, people do not realize why or what is causing their depression and many times seek no intervention or counseling. They feel there is no way out.
That is where the CISD Team comes in. The goal is to debrief those within 24-72hrs of the incident. The CISD Team wants to try to eliminate the physiological and psychological symptoms of trauma. The earlier the treatment, the greater chance of success. It is only the initial and first contact. Many people can be debriefed by a CISD Team member and not require any further counseling. Other people may need more qualified counseling. Remember CISD Debriefing Does Not Replace Professional Counseling or Psychiatric or Psychological Professional Services. You are a first responder to provide “mental first-aid” so to speak.
OCISF offers training to individuals, groups and agencies to certify them as Critical Incident Stress Debriefers.Certified Debriefer Course is a 16 hour 2 day course which upon completion certifies the individual to be able to provide mental first aid to people in your organization that have been exposed to traumatic events. A certificate and identification card indicating Certified Debriefer is provided to all successful candidates who pass the course. Specialized training and certification for Fire/Police/EMS and Military.
For further information on Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and how we can train people in your organization please CONTACT US.
Unfortunately, human beings who have the inability to express or feel emotions can have a detrimental effect on the mental well being of the person. People, who experience Critical Incident Stress, need to be debriefed. Failure to do so can result in mild to serious depression, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and in many cases suicidal tendencies. Often, people do not realize why or what is causing their depression and many times seek no intervention or counseling. They feel there is no way out.
That is where the CISD Team comes in. The goal is to debrief those within 24-72hrs of the incident. The CISD Team wants to try to eliminate the physiological and psychological symptoms of trauma. The earlier the treatment, the greater chance of success. It is only the initial and first contact. Many people can be debriefed by a CISD Team member and not require any further counseling. Other people may need more qualified counseling. Remember CISD Debriefing Does Not Replace Professional Counseling or Psychiatric or Psychological Professional Services. You are a first responder to provide “mental first-aid” so to speak.
OCISF offers training to individuals, groups and agencies to certify them as Critical Incident Stress Debriefers.Certified Debriefer Course is a 16 hour 2 day course which upon completion certifies the individual to be able to provide mental first aid to people in your organization that have been exposed to traumatic events. A certificate and identification card indicating Certified Debriefer is provided to all successful candidates who pass the course. Specialized training and certification for Fire/Police/EMS and Military.
For further information on Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and how we can train people in your organization please CONTACT US.
