Christchurch Earthquake- Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

My thoughts go out to those in Christchurch who have had their properties damaged or been injured in the big quake that struck on Saturday. I cannot imagine how scary the last few days must have been for those in the quake zone, and how challenging it must be for those who are no longer allowed to return home.

In my experience of dealing with critical incidents people tend to be affected to varying degrees. Some of us tend to cope well in such a situation where others of us can experience extreme emotional reactions and in worst case scenarios we can develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if untreated.

Like other major disasters or accidents, the Christchurch Earthquake has evoked the classical stress response in people, or what is commonly termed the ‘fight or flight response’. I was watching the news on the weekend and listening to victims relive their experiences of the quake. Most had experienced a major adrenaline rush as they woke in the early hours of the morning to the ground shaking vigorously. When we are threatened the stress response is instantaneously activated. As part of this, the brain releases adrenaline into our system so that we are prepared to run away or fight the predator. So normally when we wake up most of us feel groggy and less alert for some time (I think for me this state usually lasts most of the morning), however when a disaster occurs or even when we get woken by an unfamiliar noise outside our window, the adrenaline ensures we are 100% alert in a matter of seconds.

While this primitive response does not serve us well in an office environment where it less appropriate for us to run away from or fight our boss, such a response is instrumental in ensuring we stay alive or avoid serious injury during a disaster.

Common Reactions to a Critical Incident

After a critical incident such as the Christchurch Earthquake it could be expected that most people will experience some reactions. These might include:

· reliving the tremor in your head (especially when faced with the numerous aftershocks),

· feeling anxious / tension,

· fearfulness,

· vivid dreams about the event,

· feelings of guilt (If only I had....),

· withdrawing socially,

· becoming preoccupied with the event.

The good news is that these responses are the brains normal way of coping with an event outside of our usual range of experience, and as time goes on they usually diminish in frequency and intensity until we feel back on track.

Recovery Following a Critical Incident

Victims of critical incidents such as the Christchurch Earthquake can speed up the recovery process by:

· keeping their communication up with family and friends,

· re-establishing a daily routine,

· keeping active,

· maintaining a balanced diet,

· limiting alcohol consumption.

These activities help us to make sense of the event and retrieve our sense of control.

Helping Others to Recover

There are also things you can do to help victims of a critical incident recover. Often we can tell that people are not coping if there are changes in their behaviour following the event e.g., somebody who is usually talkative may become quiet and reserved, or a person who is usually calm and personable may become snappy and irritable. You can help others to recover by:

· ensuring they have their basic hygiene needs fulfilled (food, warmth, shelter),

· providing them with a sense of safety,

· encouraging them to maintain communication with friends and family,

· helping them to re-establish a routine and maintain a healthy lifestyle,

· helping them to plan for memories.



Disclaimer: If stress responses do not dissipate within a reasonable time period following a critical incident, then we encourage people to seek additional support from a psychologist or similarly trained professional.