Trauma Debriefing

Debriefing is an intervention done just after an adverse event in order to support those individuals who have been exposed to trauma. Also known as critical incident debriefing, psychological debriefing or post-trauma debriefing, this intervention is done as immediately after the event as possible. It is thought that debriefing should occur within the first 72 hours after a traumatic event in order to provide optimum support for survivors. Debriefing can be done individually or in groups, in a single session or in a series of sessions done in a short period of time. It usually takes place in an easily accessible setting that has been designated for that purpose. Ideally a debriefing occurs away from the scene of the incident, but may be done at the scene of a traumatic event if other arrangements are not possible.

Personnel
Debriefing personnel may have varying degrees of training and preparation. Some are debriefing professionals who receive intensive training and travel as part of debriefing teams in order to respond to critical incidents. Other personnel may be first assembled when a traumatic event occurs from available volunteers in the community or nearby locations. Many agencies and organizations which typically work in stressful and adverse situations, such as emergency responders, have debriefing personnel and procedures in place.
Goals of Debriefing
One of the most immediate goals of debriefing is to help survivors understand that the traumatic event is over. The initial shock, terror, and/or horror of an adverse event can lead survivors to believe that danger is continuing. Debriefing personnel will provide information about the event’s closure and reinforce that danger has subsided.
A second goal of debriefing is to orient survivors to the present (post-trauma) and to mobilize an assessment of current needs. Survivors typically need to share memories of what has occurred and supplement their firsthand experience with information provided by others so that they come to a greater understanding of the event. Emotional support and opportunities to express strong emotions such as fear, anger and grief are also typically needed in a debriefing intervention.
Immediate coping skills and resources for coping are provided in debriefings. It is common for a group of survivors to
brainstorm these as they move into the problem-solving phase of debriefing. Coping skills and resources are identified that will help survivors begin to reestablish a more normal daily routine.
Debriefing also identifies and explores the risks involved in traumatic exposure. Symptoms of PTSD are identified so that survivors may recognize such symptoms in themselves and in others. An awareness of usual trauma symptoms helps to lessen the fear and confusion of coping with symptoms when they occur. Becoming aware of how they may be affected increases a sense of control for survivors in a situation that has been overwhelmingly out of their control.
Effects of Debriefing