Fairfield-Hocking First Responder Peer Support Team

Our team exists to recognize and respond to another first-responder, agency employee or family member who may be experiencing emotional or physical symptoms from exposure to acute or chronic high-stress incidents.

Our goal is to prevent or lessen the potential negative impact of stress by providing emotional support, information and assistance after a critical incident because…

…WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER.

Educating Yourself

What is a critical incident?

“Any event that is out of the range of normal experience, one that is sudden and unexpected, makes one lose control, involves the perception of a threat to life, and include elements of physical or emotional loss.” - W.H.O

Critical incidents can often overwhelm a person’s coping capacity and can impact first responders physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

What is vicarious trauma?

This is also called secondary traumatic stress and refers to the emotional and psychological impact experienced by individuals who are “present at the worst moments of other people’s lives; every day is an exercise in facing and resolving tragedy. Too often, we forget the toll tis takes on emergency response workers.” - perimeterplatform.com

What is compassion fatigue?

Constant expisure to highly stressful or traumatic events everyday can lead to compassion fatigue which is characterized by a burnout feeling that positive change is unachievable and that nothing can be done to make a situation better.

“Can manifest as emotional & physical exhaustion, decreased empathy, and a sense of helplessness or cynicism.” - prioritywellnesscampaign.org

Signs & Symptoms to Watch for:

  • Fatigue, Weakness, Chest Pains, Headaches, Nausea/Vomiting, Digestive Problems, Rapid Heart Rate, Panic Attacks

  • Guilt, Fear, Sadness, Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Irritability, Inappropriate Responses

  • Withdrawal, Aggressiveness, Avoidance, Sleep Disturbances, Insomnia, Excessive Sleeping, Emotional Outbursts, Drug/Alcohol Use, Excessive Risk Taking, Unusual Spending Habits, Gambling

  • Confusion, Intrusive Thoughts, Nightmares, Poor Attention, Lack of Concentration, Distractedness, Disorientation, Poor Memory, Self-Blame

  • Anger at God, Uncharacteristic Religious Involvement, Loss of Meaning / Purpose

It is normal and common to experience some strong physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, or spiritual reactions to critical incidents. These symptoms may last a few days, weeks or longer and may be present immediately or over time.

Self-Care Following a Critical Incident

  • You are having NORMAL reactions to an ABNORMAL situation

  • Exercise, especially within the first 24 hours

  • Get plenty of rest

  • Keep busy and structure your time

  • Keep life as normal as possible

  • Eat Healthy

  • Allow yourself to laugh and smile

  • Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga or meditation

  • Talk to people

  • Make small daily decisions that give you a sense of control

Suggestions

  • Avoid making any big life changes

  • Do NOT ignore the problem

  • Avoid hazardous / risky activities

  • Limit your exposure to media coverage

  • Do NOT isolate yourself

  • Avoid finding fault, complaining or being judgmental

  • Limit sugar, caffeine, drugs and alcohol

Ways Family & Friends Can Show Support

  • Listen carefully

  • Spend time together

  • Tell them you are there for them…and BE THERE

  • Reassure them they are safe

  • Help them clean, cook and care for children or pets

  • Give them some space if they ask for it

  • Don’t take their anger or quietness personally

  • Don’t tell them “it could have been worse”

  • Do not argue with them

  • Tell them you are sorry they are going through this and ask them how you can help

Our Team is Here to Help

  • Lancaster Police Department

    Ofc. Jim Marshall

    Ofc. James Schorr Jr.

    Disp. Kimberly Ream

    Ofc. Justine Hafley

    Ofc. Mike Jones (prior military)

  • Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

    Det. Tyler DeVoe (prior military)

    CO Shaun Farrell

    Dep. John Grubb

    Disp. Elizabeth Maple

    Disp. Laura Mead (prior military)

    Dep. Kristy Peck & Nala (prior military)

  • Fairfield Medical Center Police Department

    Ofc. James Jackson

    Ofc. Ryan Snider

  • Hocking Country Sheriff's Office

    Ofc. Sean Champ (prior military)

    Dep. Christopher Hock (prior military)

    Dep. Nolan Robinette

    Chief Pennie Stack

  • Hocking County 9-1-1

    Rhonda Moore, Supervisor

  • Logan Police Department

    Lt. Tony Byram

    Ofc. Nikki Riley

    Ofc. Chris Smith

  • Chaplains

    FMC: Joel Reid

    Logan PD: Brian Neville

  • Clinician

    Kristin Carr (EMS Experience)