A critical incident is an event or series of unexpected, stressful, or overwhelming events employees encounter. Critical incident stress debriefing helps employees process and manage their reactions from involvement or exposure to stressful situations in the workplace.

An organization’s leadership, such as trained supervisors or managers, may facilitate a critical incident stress debriefing process. Keep in mind that the debrief is not counselling but a safe place for communal processing.

Included is a process for:

• Mitigating the impact of stressful situations;

• Facilitating factual, cognitive, and emotional impact discussions;

• Reinforcing and creating accountability for individuals’ self-care;

• Resourcing individuals with company and community supports;

• Screening individuals who may benefit from additional professional care.