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Select a critical incident (Palisades Fire)

Select a critical incident (Palisades Fire) that has occurred within the last year that you can use to respond to the questions.

Review crisis intervention theories and the categories of crisis.
Consider why some individuals may be more resilient when experiencing a crisis than others. Answer the following questions:
“Can you explain to us what kind of crisis the Palisades Fire is, and tell us why classifying a crisis matters?”

“I understand that you use theory in your crisis work. What do you use? How does it work?”

“Let’s talk about the concept of resilience. Can you share with us why people respond differently to the same crisis? I mean, why does it appear that some people just get over it, while others can’t? Why can’t they see they survived, and life goes on?”

“To wrap things up, as a crisis responder, you know how difficult this work can be. How do you take care of yourself when you are working with so many people who are experiencing this crisis? And for some of our viewers who may be helping with this crisis in our community, what advice do you have for them with regard to how they care for themselves while caring for others?”

Sample Answer

As a crisis responder addressing the public after a critical incident like the Palisades Fire, it’s essential to provide clear, empathetic, and informative answers, drawing on crisis intervention theories and the concept of resilience, while also emphasizing self-care.

Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Thank you for inviting me to speak today about the impact of the Palisades Fire and our approach to supporting those affected. It’s a privilege to share insights into the crisis work we do.

“Can you explain to us what kind of crisis the Palisades Fire is, and tell us why classifying a crisis matters?”

The Palisades Fire, tragically, falls under the category of a situational crisis. A situational crisis is an unanticipated, sudden, and often overwhelming event that is not part of normal life. It arises from external circumstances, such as natural disasters, serious accidents, or, in this case, a major wildfire. It’s distinct from a developmental crisis (which is a normal, expected life transition like adolescence or retirement) or an existential crisis (which involves internal struggles about meaning or purpose).

Full Answer Section

Classifying a crisis, like labeling the Palisades Fire as a situational crisis, matters immensely for several critical reasons:

Informs Our Response Strategy: Knowing the type of crisis helps us immediately identify the most effective intervention models. For a situational crisis like a fire, the immediate needs are often practical and safety-oriented (shelter, food, medical attention, emotional first aid), followed by psychological support for trauma and loss. This guides the allocation of resources and the training of responders.
Sets Realistic Expectations: It helps us understand the typical emotional and behavioral reactions people might experience. For situational crises, common responses include shock, fear, grief, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress. This allows us to normalize these reactions and avoid pathologizing natural human responses to abnormal events.
Aids in Prognosis and Recovery Planning: Different crisis types have different recovery trajectories. While the immediate aftermath of a situational crisis can be acute, many individuals, with proper support, can process the event and move towards recovery. Classification helps us plan for both immediate relief and longer-term psychological support, including identifying those at higher risk for prolonged distress.
Facilitates Communication: Using clear classifications helps us communicate effectively with emergency services, government agencies, aid organizations, and the public, ensuring everyone understands the nature of the challenge and can coordinate efforts efficiently.

“I understand that you use theory in your crisis work. What do you use? How does it work?”

Yes, absolutely. Crisis intervention is a specialized field, and our work is deeply informed by established theories that guide our actions and help us understand human responses to extreme stress. While we draw from several theoretical frameworks, two that are particularly central to our immediate response to a disaster like the Palisades Fire are:

Gregg and Juhnke’s “Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model”: This model provides a practical, step-by-step framework for responders. It’s designed to be flexible and adaptable to various crisis situations.
- How it works (simplified):
  - Stage 1: Plan and conduct a thorough biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment: We quickly gather information about the individual’s current situation, safety, support systems, coping mechanisms, and immediate needs (e.g., “Are you safe? Do you have shelter?”). This is ongoing.
  - Stage 2: Establish rapport and rapidly establish a relationship: We meet people where they are, offering a calm, empathetic, and non-judgmental presence. Trust is crucial, even if brief.
  - Stage 3: Identify the major problems (including the “last straw” and precipitating events): We help individuals articulate what has happened and what is most pressing for them right now. For the fire, it might be loss of home, fear for loved ones, or immediate displacement.
  - Stage 4: Deal with feelings and emotions: We create a safe space for people to express their fear, grief, anger, or shock. We validate their emotions, letting them know it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling.
  - Stage 5: Generate and explore alternatives: Once emotions are somewhat regulated, we help individuals brainstorm practical solutions to their immediate problems. This empowers them to regain a sense of control.
  - Stage 6: Develop and formulate an action plan: We work with the individual to create concrete, achievable steps to address their most pressing needs. This might be connecting them with shelter, food, or mental health resources.
  - Stage 7: Follow-up: We ensure that the plans are implemented and offer continued support or referrals as needed. This ongoing connection is vital for long-term recovery.
Psychological First Aid (PFA): While not a single theory, PFA is an evidence-informed approach based on principles from cognitive behavioral therapy, social support theory, and humanistic psychology.
- How it works: PFA focuses on providing humane, supportive, and practical help to people immediately after a highly stressful event. It’s not about in-depth therapy, but about reducing initial distress and fostering adaptive functioning. Key actions include:
  - Contact and Engagement: Approaching individuals in a non-intrusive, compassionate way.
  - Safety and Comfort: Helping people feel safe and connected to help (e.g., getting them to a shelter, finding family).
  - Stabilization: Calming individuals who are overwhelmed or disoriented.
  - Information Gathering (Current Needs and Concerns): Asking about immediate needs.
  - Practical Assistance: Helping to meet those needs directly.
  - Connection with Social Support: Linking people with loved ones and community resources.
  - Information on Coping: Providing accurate information about stress reactions and healthy coping.

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Select a critical incident (Palisades Fire)

Sample Answer

“Can you explain to us what kind of crisis the Palisades Fire is, and tell us why classifying a crisis matters?”

Full Answer Section

“I understand that you use theory in your crisis work. What do you use? How does it work?”

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