Preparing for the Debriefing

Preparing the Participants

• Explanation of process not psychotherapy or investigative
• Encourage attendance of individual and group
• Individual sessions also available
• No one has to speak
• Information is strictly confidential with no notes taken
• Participation is important because each has an unique view point
• Role model as being honest and candid about their own reactions
• No disruptions-phone calls, pagers
• Every member invited to the debriefing
• Opportunity to provide mutual support to others and advise on coping strategies
• Reconstruct the event to creating a single understanding of the event
• Opportunity to show care and mutual support of their co-workers
• Participation will not effect one's job status

Logistical Needs Preferences

• Private and quiet meeting room with moveable furniture
• No windows which allow a view in from the outside
• With small private rooms for individual consultations
• Comfortable seats, suitable for the size of the groups
• Arrangement of chairs in a circle, with space in between, with extra preferably not around a table
• Sign on door "Please Do Not Disturb"
• Food--refreshment at the end to keep people around
• Air-conditioned or heated, well ventilated
• Tissues
• Having handouts available and other resources as need i.e. employee assistance phone numbers, health insurance

Related Information

• Tips For The First 24 hours
• Helpful Hints for Dealing with Traumatic Stress
• What is a Critical Incident?
• Benefits of Debriefing

Masa Consulting, Inc. | 13033 Ridgedale Drive Suite 112, Minneapolis, MN 55305
952-922-0422 | 952-922-0421 fax | jonathan@masaconsulting.com