Using the Guide
Introduction
Purpose of the Leader's 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 is by now means all inclusive; we assume you will access other resources to supplement the Guide. 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. Leaders should also confer with local experts and departmental professionals who may be of assistance.
Helping Members in 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.
Leadership Involvement is a Team Process
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.
Supporting Individuals in Distress is Vital to Operational Health
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.
- Distress prevention and management are key components of Operational Heath Protection and addressing stressful life events early is an important facet.
- Distress prevention entails a broad range of efforts for supporting personnel when they face difficult life challenges, including addressing problems before distress occurs.
- Distress management focuses on helping the person moderate their reaction to difficult situations and includes efforts to help build resiliency.
Using the Guide in Viewing the "Big Picture"
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.
Understanding the Checklists
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:
Situation/Scenario
| Behaviors/Signs
| Supportive actions
|
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.
The Big Picture
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:
Problems are more easily solved.
There are less disruptions at work.
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.