A Guide to Managing Stress for Disaster and First Responders

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based on material published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and is available as an open-access article. Disaster responders and first responders serve on the front lines of disasters and other crises. By virtue of their work, they help communities address the broad range of challenges disasters present. They save lives, mitigate suffering, and improve post-disaster outcomes. However, also through their work, they may face hazards, horror, and suffering that can affect their mental health and well-being (Inter- Agency Standing Committee Reference Group for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, 2010). This easy-to-use guide provides a framework for stress management strategies for responders and their leadership. It also presents a brief orientation to the signs and symptoms of stress. The strategies in this guide are broad enough that individuals and groups can tailor the information to fit their needs and situations. The guide focuses on general principles of stress management and offers simple, practical strategies that can be incorporated into the daily routines of managers and responders. It is essential for responders to learn about and practice stress management strategies before a disaster, as part of their general personal preparedness, so they can respond effectively and sustain their own physical and mental health throughout their response. Stress prevention and management should address both the responder and the organization. Adopting a preventive perspective allows both responders and their organizations to anticipate stressors and plan responses, rather than simply reacting to a crisis when it occurs. This course on stress management strategies for first responders and disaster responders is designed for clinical social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, nurses, and substance abuse counselors who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their expertise with stress management strategies for first responders and disaster responders. The course material includes a literature review of interventions. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require continuing clinical education courses for license renewal. The course is based on a journal article that includes research. It contains statistical analysis and data that some clinicians enjoy reading and others do not. A significant benefit of reading peer reviewed research-based articles for continuing education is that they provide practitioners with the latest findings in their field. Authors: SAMHSA Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding stress management strategies for first responders and disaster responders. Specifically, a professional will: Recognize strategies for promoting a positive workplace environment. Describe processes for organizational stress management before, during, and after an event. Identify strategies for responders to engage in self-care. Citation: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). A Guide to Managing Stress for Disaster Responders and First Responders. Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://store.samhsa.gov.