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Learning From The Past and Planning For The Future
MENTAL HEALTH MOMENT June 4, 2004 "The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently;
but he is willing, in great crises, to give even his life--knowing that under certain conditions it is not worth-while to live." - Aristotle
Short Subjects
LINKS Rocky Mountain Region
Disaster Mental Health Institute
CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:
3rd Annual Hawaii
International Conference on Social Sciences
June 16 - 19, 2004
Location: Honolulu Hawaii, USA
Contact: social@hicsocial.orgSociety for the Psychological Study of
Social Issues (SPSSI) Convention
June 25 - 27, 2004
Location: Washington, DC, USA
18th Conference of the International
Association of People Environment Studies
July 7 - 10, 2004
Location: Vienna, AUSTRIA17th Congress of the International Association
of Cross-Cultural Psychology (IACCP)
August 2 - 6, 2004
Location: Xi'an, CHINA
Contact: Zheng Gang
Institute of Psychology
Chinese Academy of Sciences
100101 Beijing, China
Email: iaccp2004@psych.ac.cnSixth International Conference of
the Learning Sciences (ICLS 2004):
"Embracing Diversity in the Learning Sciences"
June 22 - 26, 2004
Location: Santa Monica, California, USA
International Society of Political Psychology
27th Annual Scientific Meeting
July, 15-18, 2004
Location: Lund, Sweden
62nd Annual Conference of the
International Council of Psychologists
August 3 - 6, 2004
Location: University of Jinan
Jinan, CHINA
Contact: Dr. Natividad Dayan
Scientific Chair
99 General Ave
GSIS Village, Project 8
Quezon City, Metro Manila
01108 PHILIPPINES Telephone: 632-724-5358
Email: bereps@pacific.net.phXXVIII International Congress of Psychology
August 8 - 13, 2004
Location: Beijing, CHINA
Contact: XiaoLan FU, Deputy Director
Committee for International Cooperation
Chinese Psychological Society
Institute of Psychology
Chinese Academy of Sciences
P.O. Box 1603
Beijing 100101, China
Telephome: +86-10-6202-2071
Fax: +86-10-6202-2070
22nd Nordic Congress of Psychology:
"Psychology in a World of Change and Diversity -
Challenges for our Profession"
August 18 -20, 2004
Location: Copenhagen, DENMARK
Contact: Roal Ulrichsen, Chair
NPK2004 Organizing Committee
Danish Psychological Association
Stokholmsgade 27, DK-2100
Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
Email: bh@vanhauen.dk
Storms Continue To Batter United States
The Memorial Day Weekend brought no relief from the rash of severe thunderstorms that have been pounding large sections of the U.S. The past week has also seen a wave of tornadoes similar to that of a year ago. More than 500 tornadoes have been recorded this month. Flooding has also hit several states in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. For More Information, Go To: Flooding: http://www.fema.gov/hazards/floods/; Tornadoes: http://www.fema.gov/hazards/tornadoes/; Hurricanes: http://www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/
At Home in the Woods Lessons Learned in the Wildland/Urban Interface
This publication documents some of the best, most innovative fire mitigation practices currently underway in the wildland/urban interface. Facing the threat of wildfire, individuals and communities are taking creative measures to protect themselves. What follows are their stories, with a focus on challenges faced, obstacles overcome and lessons learned. Go Here for Downloads and further Details: http://www.fema.gov/regions/viii/athome_woods.shtm
Department Of Homeland Security Establishes National Incident Management System Integration Center
The Department of Homeland Security recently established the National Incident Management System Integration Center (NIC). The NIC will support direct participation and regular consultation with other federal departments and state, local, and tribal incident management entities, as well as private organizations for incident response. "This multi- jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary National Incident Management System Integration Center will provide a valuable resource to better coordinate our response to all-hazards," said Under Secretary of Emergency Preparedness and Response Michael Brown. "The establishment of the NIC allows for a mechanism to provide ongoing coordination among federal, state, local and tribal incident management entities with emergency responders to coordinate our mission to better protect our citizens." For More Information, Go To: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=12385
FEMA Releases Recommendations For Emergency Response To Major Incidents Based In Part On The Events Of Sept. 11, 2001
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released a report, “Responding to Incidents of National Consequence,” which includes recommendations for fire and emergency services based on the events of September 11, 2001, and other similar incidents. The report was developed by the National Fire Programs Division of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), and includes a prioritized checklist of recommended actions for emergency response agencies and other support information. "This report is important for those emergency response leaders who coordinate or support local incident management at major or complex emergencies and disasters," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "The guidance will help them function efficiently and effectively under the National Incident Management System." For More Information, Go To: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=12345
UN official praises Peru for promoting rights of internally displaced
Stepping up the battle to ensure the human rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), a key United Nations official praised Peru for the passage of a new national law prohibiting arbitrary displacement and clarifying the rights of those who have been forced to leave their homes by armed conflict or other causes. Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s Representative on IDPs, Francis M. Deng, hailed President Alejandro Toledo and the Congress of Peru, where an estimated 600,000 people, mostly from indigenous communities, were displaced during the 1980s and 1990s in fighting between the government and rebel forces of the Shining Path and the Tupac Amaru Resistance Movement. For More Information, Go To: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10944&Cr=IDP&Cr1=
Nearly 3 dozen countries face food emergencies, UN agency reports
Thirty-five countries now face serious food shortages, including two dozen in Africa, according to a report released today by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). The May issue of “Foodcrops and Shortages,” a publication of the Global Information and Early Warning System, blames the situation largely on civil conflict and adverse weather, particularly drought. It also notes that in many of these countries, the HIV/AIDS pandemic is a major contributing factor. In western Sudan, civil conflict which has displaced over 1 million people is leading to a grave humanitarian crisis, the agency warns. Desert locusts remain a serious threat to crops in northern and western Africa, where control operations are hampered by a lack of resources, according to the report. For More Information, Go To: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10912&Cr=food&Cr1=shortage
Boost bioenergy to ease poverty in developing countries - UN
With wood, charcoal and fuel-producing crops emerging as environmentally friendly and cost-effective sources of energy, especially for developing countries, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) called for the urgent inclusion of so-called bioenergy into agricultural and forestry programmes. "Countries need to move towards more sustainable energy systems based on energy sources such as biomass, solar and wind energies," senior FAO energy coordinator Gustavo Best told four-day International Conference on Renewable Energies in Bonn, Germany. "The production and use of bioenergy also contributes to poverty alleviation and food security. It can reduce land degradation and helps to mitigate climate change," he added. For More Information, Go To: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10932&Cr=energy&Cr1=renewable
UN-sponsored experts draw up blueprint to safeguard Iraq’s cultural heritage
Girding itself for the “immense and vital” challenge of safeguarding Iraq’s cultural heritage, a United Nations-sponsored group of international experts drew up a seven-point blueprint for comprehensive conservation, rehabilitation, capacity building, training and coordination. The International Coordination Committee for the Safeguarding of the Cultural Heritage of Iraq, established under the joint auspices of the Iraqi authorities and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), concluded its first meeting today at the Organization’s Paris headquarters, chaired by Iraqi Minister for Culture Moufid al Jazairi. For More Information, Go To: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10876&Cr=iraq&Cr1=
EARTHQUAKES BEGET EARTHQUAKES NEAR AND FAR
Earthquakes not only shake up the local area but they also increase the rate of earthquake events locally and at a distance. The answer to how this happens may be in the laboratory, according to a Penn State researcher. Chris Marone, professor of geosciences, is working with Margaret S. Boettcher, a Ph.D. student he coadvises at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Heather M. Savage, his Ph.D student at Penn State, to investigate the way triggering of earthquakes works and whether or not a time lag exists between the initial earthquake and the ones that follow. Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/index.php?sec=vs&story=7053
Use of the Internet During Times of Crisis: An Expert Interview With David W. Crippen, MD
While the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, were being carried out, many people around the country and around the world were finding out about it via the Internet. A small group of critical care clinicians were busy keeping tabs on their members and looking for the best ways to help. This same medium has also helped in subsequent crises, including the recent SARS epidemic. Medscape's Alfred Saint Jacques spoke to David W. Crippen, MD, from the Department of Critical Care Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pennsylvania, who is the driving force behind the International Critical Care Internet Discussion Group (CCM-L), about the use of the Internet in crisis or disaster situations. For The Interview, Go To: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/461395
Leading During Times of Trouble: A Roundtable Discussion of Recent Terror Events
In February 2003, a panel was convened as part of an invitational summit on leadership during bioterrorism, titled "The Public as an Asset, Not a Problem." The goal of this meeting was to synthesize for government and public health authorities some essential principles of leadership that encourage the public's constructive collaboration in confronting a bioterrorist attack, based on frontline experiences with recent terrorism events and other relevant crises. More than 160 people attended, representing senior operational decision-makers in public health and safety–including bioterrorism coordinators from 35 state and local health agencies–as well as thought leaders in medicine, public health, nursing, hospital administration, and disaster relief. The roundtable discussion, focusing on how to lead a community during times of trouble, was moderated by Dr. Tara O'Toole, Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense Strategies and Coeditor-in-Chief of Biosecurity and Bioterrorism. The other participants were seasoned political and public health leaders, and representative constituents, who had had to confront a recent terrorizing event, including the Washington, DC-area sniper shootings, the anthrax letter attacks, the World Trade Center attacks (2001, 1993), and the Oklahoma City bombing. For the Discussion, Go To: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/458653
THE MEDICAL MINUTE: SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS
The human body is like a fine machine, but like machinery, as we age we are more likely to have physical problems. Unlike an old car, however, our bodies can adapt and grow stronger and there is much we can do to minimize the effects of the aging process. According to the latest edition of the Medical Minute, a service of Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the most important thing to consider is exercise. It's never too late to begin to improve fitness. Other factors to consider include proper nutrition, medication usage, procedures that address eyesight and hearing deficiencies, and up-to-date immunizations. End-of-life planning issues are also addressed in this week's column. Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/7051
(Compiled from comments, papers presented and results of panel discussions at the recent CRISES IN RURAL AMERICA Conference held in Casper, WY - April 21-24, 2004 - First in a series of brief summaries of papers, comments and panel/symposium discussions.) IS TRAUMA DEBRIEFING WORSE THAN LETTING VICTIMS AND RESPONDERS HEAL NATURALLY?
There is a good deal of debate surrounding the efficacy of using debriefing for responders following an incident. Many debriefers find it much easier to work with a prescriptive model. However, the work with those who have experienced a traumatic event is much more complicated than was once thought. The United Kingdom currently does not support debriefing whereas it has been generally embraced within the United States. It has been suggested that a much broader scope must be used in order to deal with differing belief systems and cultural groups. It has also been suggested that concentration needs to be on better responding and follow-up with responders.
It is important to be sure that we do not re-traumatize individuals. An example was given of an individual in Oklahoma involving a Native American. A family had "begged" the survivor to not go to work as her children needed her at home. It was decided, in the tradition of the Native American culture, to hold a Sweat Lodge for the family to help resolve the conflict. The point that was made was that fitting cultural needs and being culturally sensitive must take priority. It is important to be flexible when dealing with traumatized persons, whether they are responders or survivors. When flexible and sensitive, debriefing can be a positive experience. Following the Oklahoma City bombing, the first suicide was that of a police officer. It has been suggested that those who are involved as first responders to crises and critical incidents need not only debriefing, but also long term follow-up. This is true for survivors, families of those involved, and responders.
In some places debriefings are mandatory. This has brought up questions such as "Have I done it wrong?" "Should I not encourage debriefings?", etc. The issue of confidentiality is also important. Discussion has centered on deciding about fitness for duty following a critical incident (e.g. a shooting). These matters should not be related to debriefings themselves. Acceptance of debriefing is up to the individual to attend or not. It is encouraged, but not mandatory. Confidentiality can be maintained. Counselors can educate those in attendance about what signs of post trauma to look for and suggest they seek further assistance if these signs do not go away. Follow-up is always important.
There has been some discussion about the prevalence of PTSD among women. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men possibly due to a lower level of support and less recuperation time available to women. The support is important for both men and women but in different ways. Women tend to emote better than men. Men tend to verbalize more.
Since the introduction of the CISM/CISD model, the significant negative aspect(s) have been those mental health professionals and others who tout and imply/infer and employ the models as some form or other of "emotional or psychologic therapy". CISM/CISD is not a field of practice. It is not a model of professional mental health practice. It is not a professional mental health practice method. Most importantly, CISM/CISD is not a profession. It is not a professional "identifier", no matter the health and/or occupational profession which one employs to assist persons to conceptualize and put in place a framework of understanding of what has just been experienced within the context of the "moment and human ecological milieu" in which the experience occurred.
Understanding the context(s) within which the model was derived is crucial to an understanding of both the strengths and limitations of CISM/CISD so that expectations of all participants (CISM/CISD providers included) represent it for what it truly is and not as either a substitute for or an identifier of the need for emotional therapeutic "treatment". That some have extended the initially stated intent of the model to include or infer it is or may be a therapy model is a disservice to the receiver of the service and to both individuals and organizations where the model may be helpful in the short term. In this circumstance the influence may be harmful.
As with any methodology, unfortunately, there are those who attempt to extend things beyond the original intent of the method. One of the truly significant aspects of CISM/CISD is that it brings together mental health professionals and first responders, etc. in a way that helps to demystify what psychologists and other mental health professionals actually do. It allows all involved to become familiar with each other - psychologists and mental health practitioners can learn a lot from first responders and others and vice-versa. CISM/CISD, if approached properly, can help develop supportive networks among both groups. It IS NOT a therapeutic technique or method. It should not be made mandatory. If personnel have attended peer training prior to an event, those peers can be the strongest supporters, encouragers, and confidants for their colleagues. Police, Fire, EMTs and others will talk with and listen to peers before managers and supervisors concerning critical incidents. Again, establishing networks and relationships via trainings can provide better responses and acceptance of assistance. Not every person involved in a critical incident responds the same way.
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REFERENCES Above represents comments, papers presented and results of panel discussions at the recent CRISES IN RURAL AMERICA Conference held in Casper, WY - April 21-24, 2004. Presenters and abstracts are located at: https://www.angelfire.com/biz/odochartaigh/rural-presenters.html
To search for books on disasters and disaster mental
health topics, leaders, leadership, orgainizations,
crisis intervention, leaders and crises, and related
topics and purchase them online, go to the following url:
https://www.angelfire.com/biz/odochartaigh/searchbooks.html
RECOMMENDED READING
Post-Trauma Stress: A Personal Guide to Reduce the Long-Term Effects and Hidden Emotional Damage Caused by Violence and Disaster
by Frank Parkinson
Editorial Review
Excerpted from Post-Trauma Stress : A Personal Guide to Reduce the Long-Term
Effects and Hidden Emotional Damage Caused by Violence and Disaster by Frank Parkinson. Copyright © 2000. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved WHAT IS POST-TRAUMA STRESS? Post-trauma stress is the development of certain symptoms or reactions following an abnormal event. The event is abnormal in that it is life threatening or extremely disturbing, and can be anything from a minor accident to a major disaster. This includes incidents such as a divorce, riots, war, bereavement or any event that causes trauma and shock. This trauma disturbs our normal life beliefs and turns our world upside down, causing confusion, disbelief, feelings of vulnerability, a loss of meaning and purpose in life, and changes in self-image or self-esteem. It would not be correct to assume that the symptoms are only found after the event, because they can arise earlier. Seeds of the symptoms of post-trauma stress lie not only in the nature of the event itself, but also in the lives of those who experience it.
Post-trauma stress can result from any experience that, for me, is not normal. Because it is not normal it can cause traumatic reactions. The experience should not be seen as an isolated event but rather as an ongoing situation. I bring myself-my character and personality and previous experiences-to the event. All of these, including the nature of the event, will determine how I react both at the time and later.
A man walking down a street in front of a group of apartments was hit on the head by a falling plant pot. This abnormal and unusual event shocked and traumatized the man. Later, he suffered from agoraphobia (fear of open spaces) and the fear that the same thing might happen again if he went out into the street.
Perhaps a trivial accident, it nevertheless caused emotional disturbances as well as physical pain, both at the time and later.
Copyright © 2000 Fisher Books. All rights reserved.
Book Description
Surviving catastrophic disasters; air, auto or train crashes; rape; war and other violent acts is only the beginning. Disasters leave hidden damage. anxiety, fear and distress. with long-term effects that can last years. Survivors are not the only ones touched by trauma. family, friends and co-workers are often victims of post-traumatic stress.
Comprehensive and thorough, Post-Trauma Stress offers helpful advice and practical information from professionals for prevention of and recovery from post-traumatic stress.
Surviving catastrophic disasters, armed robbery, wars, air and train crashes, auto accidents, rape, riots and other incredible violent acts is only the beginning. Disasters inevitably leave hidden damage. anxiety, fear and distress. with long-term effects that can last years.
Post-Trauma Stress is comprehensive and thorough. Offering helpful advice and practical information for the prevention and recovery from post-trauma stress. Discusses the debriefing process for individuals and groups following trauma and how people trained in crisis intervention are essential in the healing process. Describes Critical Incident Debriefing, the most successful method used by professionals today for assisting survivors of disasters and other crisis situations. A personal guide for prevention and recovery from post-traumatic stress.
Additional Readings at:
Also try looking here for September 11, 2001: A Simple Account for Children.
Videos on Terrorism
Other videos about terrorism**********************************************************************
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Contact your local Mental Health Center or
check the yellow pages for counselors, psychologists,
therapists, and other Mental health Professionals in
your area for further information.
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Copyrighted and published by the Rocky Mountain Region Disaster Mental Health Institute. No part of this document may be reproduced without written consent.The Rocky Mountain Region Disaster Mental Health Newsletter is published online weekly by:
Rocky Mountain Region
Disaster Mental Health Institute, Inc.
Box 786
Laramie, WY 82073-0786
Newsletter Online: https://www.angelfire.com/biz3/news
Institute Home Page: https://www.angelfire.com/biz/odoc/rocky.html
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