Trauma debriefing in the aftermath of disasters - there is a better way!

September 2005

A recent article in the economist Magazine once again casts doubt on the value and effectiveness of "debriefing" in the aftermath of a major incident. In the article, Chris Brewin, a psychologist, involved in a project to screen Londoners for trauma after the recent bombings states: "there is no evidence that rapid debriefing works and and some evidence it may be harmful. Most people don't need it and those that do need something more".

Some independent recommendations
In addition the NICE report (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) on treating PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) suggests the following: "For individuals who have experienced a traumatic event, do not routinely offer brief, single-session interventions (debriefing) that focus on the traumatic incident." For the highlighted recommendations of the report click here.

How we can help
From our own firsthand experience at docleaf , what we do know is people need in the immediate hours and days following a traumatic event good practical and emotional support. This does not need to be provided by highly trained (and expensive) psychologists. We have found that people with experience of grief and loss and an empathetic nature can do the job equally as well. These "befrienders" (for want of a better term as they are not there to be a friend) have a wide and varied brief - to provide whatever support the traumatised may need.

This covers both practical and emotional aspects and could include help with dealing with the bureaucracy, being a shoulder to cry on, acting as an advocate, supporting the bereaved when visiting the mortuary and just being there. To learn more about how the docleaf team can help, click here

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