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Using the Guide
The purpose of the Leader's Guide is to help leaders
(division commanders, watch commanders, training supervisors and supervisors) recognize distress related behaviors, provide
support to individuals within the division, and collaborate with internal and external helping agencies to meet the needs of individuals in distress. The guide aims to assist leaders in the decision-making process by describing a broad range of supportive interventions, resources, and strategies for supporting individuals in distress. It also provides guidance on effective communications with
members of internal and community helping agencies.
The guide is focused on helping leaders employ awareness and intervention strategies before a person has reached the
threshold of debilitating distress, as indicated by emotional
difficulties,
alcohol or substance abuse,
violence
or behaviorally linked accidents and mishaps.
It provides
guidance to leaders on giving emotional and
material support to individuals across the continuum of
distress, from pre-distress (prevention), to severe distress.
When individuals encounter
life stressors, they are often able
to cope by gathering support from friends, family, and coworkers.
Leaders, however, are in a unique position to support personnel
experiencing difficulties through personal interactions, department
policies and operating instructions, and coordination with organizational helping agencies. It is important to initiate support at the
point when people are first experiencing
mild or moderate levels of distress. This is preferable to waiting
until they are in crisis or suicidal.
Commanders, watch commanders, training supervisors and supervisors are key members of any prevention effort. They all have a tremendous opportunity to provide interventions early when non-medical interventions can have the greatest positive outcome for the individual and the section. Good communication between leaders, helping agencies, and members allows the team process to work well.
Operational
Health Protection addresses all health related threats affecting
the member's ability to accomplish the public safety mission. A healthy and fit organization
is the necessary precondition for Operational Health Protection.
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Distress prevention and management are key components of Operational Heath Protection
and addressing stressful life events early is an important
facet.
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Distress prevention entails a broad range of efforts for supporting personnel when they
face difficult life challenges, including
addressing problems
before distress occurs.
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Distress management focuses on helping the person moderate their reaction to
difficult situations and includes efforts to help build
resiliency.
 Settings
and Layout
The guide has been developed to work best with
Microsoft (MS) Internet Explorer and a display setting of 1024 X 768 or
higher. The guide is organized in eight main topics or sections that can be accessed at
anytime by clicking on the "Main Index" button on the left
side toolbar. The
left toolbar will always be visible for easy access to the Main
Index and other key sections
of the guide. The guide was designed for a text setting of
"Medium" on MS Internet Explorer. This is the default
setting on MS Internet Explorer. However, you can change this text setting at
any time with MS Internet Explorer. You will
also need Acrobat Reader to view any attachments to the guide.
The guide is Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
based. This allows the use of hyperlinks for cross-referencing
that will lead you to other sections, additional information, and
references. Some hyperlinks will take you to a site outside of
the guide.
All links to publications and regulations are direct links to the
owner's website. Links to external websites do not imply
Dr.911.com endorsement or approval. Hyperlinks will turn color
(green) when you place the cursor over them, indicating an active
hyperlink. All outside hyperlinks open to a
separate page. You will need a connection to the Internet to
view the material that is linked outside of this guide.
Each section contains overview
information, and a checklist(s). Each checklist
contains recommendations for responding to situations leaders may face when members are distressed. The checklists cover general information,
relevant resources, and supportive strategies. Checkboxes are provided for a user to
"check off" steps that are complete. The checkboxes
do not serve any other function.
The checklists provided are intended as tools for
leaders to assist personnel who are in distress. Since each person’s situation is unique,
responses should be
individually tailored to meet specific needs. It is important to
discuss options with the appropriate helping agencies to help
deliver tailored support. To help you communicate with helping
agencies, a list of relevant behaviors is provided. An example of the
checklist format used is listed below:
The initial suggestions for support are general and will likely apply to most
situations related to the scenario. Additional suggestions follow
which are tailored to specific variations of the scenario.
Many members, and some leaders, are highly concerned about the potential
negative consequences of seeking help during
stressful times. This may stem in part from misinformation, fear and stigma of getting assistance.
Leaders have the opportunity to encourage their distressed personnel to view
the "big picture."
That is, remind your personnel about the importance of getting help early (target) rather than locking on rumor and misinformation. Reasons for getting help early include:
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Problems are more easily
solved.
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There are less disruptions at
work.
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Quality of life is maintained.
Individuals may choose to get help from peers, leaders, and helping agencies.
For some situations, peer support is sufficient.
In other situations, individuals may require
help from their leaders and outside helping agencies. The challenge for
leaders, therefore, is to employ the right mix of support for the person at the
appropriate time. This guide is designed to foster good communications,
not replace it, and is intended to help you target your efforts most effectively.
Table of Contents of Leadership in Action
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The Big Picture