Benefits of Debriefing

Benefits of Debriefing for the Individual

1. Mitigate the impact of the critical incident on those who were victims of the event
   1. Primary victims (those directly traumatized by the event)
   2. Secondary victims (emergency services personnel, bystanders)
   3. Tertiary victims (family, friends, and those to whom the traumatic event may be indirectly communication)
2. Accelerate recovery processes in people who are experiencing normal stress reactions to abnormal traumatic events.
3. Education about stress, stress reactions and survival techniques; emotional ventilation; reassurance that the stress response is controllable and that recovery is likely
4. Forewarning people about signs and symptoms that might show up in the future: reduction of fallacy of abnormality
5. Establishment of a positive contact with mental health professionals
6. Prevention of PTSD, screening for people who need additional assessment or therapy

Benefits of a Debriefing to the Group

1. Demonstrate commitment to the welfare of employees
2. Increase organizational morale, credibility, cooperation, and cohesiveness
3. Improve performance
4. Reduce anxiety
5. Improve productivity
6. Prevent conflict
7. Reduce absenteeism, tardiness and turnover
8. Reduce anxiety by clarifying events and identifying what to expect
9. Reduce costs
10. Minimize accidents
11. Minimize stress
12. Prevent litigation
13. Minimize psychological disorders (post traumatic stress, anxiety, depression)

Related Information

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

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