Table of Contents
Comprehensive Acute Traumatic Stress Management

Table of Contents CHAPTER ONE: Introduction What is traumatic stress? Who experiences traumatic stress? Is traumatic stress usually caused by "severe" events? What factors influence how people respond to traumatic events? What reactions are typically exhibited during traumatic exposure? Emotional Responses Cognitive Responses Behavioral Responses Physiological Responses Spiritual Responses How can we address traumatic stress? CHAPTER TWO Comprehensive Acute Traumatic Stress Management What is Comprehensive Acute Traumatic Stress Management? Why does Comprehensive Acute Traumatic Stress Management utilize stages? How do you help someone when time is limited? Where does confidentiality fit in? CHAPTER THREE The 10 Stages of Acute Traumatic Stress Management 1. Assess for Danger/Safety for Self and Others 2. Consider the Mechanism of Injury 3. Evaluate the Level of Responsiveness 4. Address Medical Needs 5. Observe and Identify 6. Connect with the Individual What specific strategies may be utilized to connect with particular challenging, emotionally distraught, individuals? The "Five D's" 1. Distraction 2. Disruption 3. Diffusion 4. Decision 5. Direction 7. Ground the Individual What can I say if I find myself at a loss for words? 8. Provide Support Are there specific guidelines to know what is okay to say? How can I deal with peoples' feelings and still get the job done? How can I become more empathic? Examples of empathic responses/statements How may empathy be utilized with a potentially self-destructive individual? 9. Normalize the Response The "Validation Technique" 10. Prepare for the Future CHAPTER FOUR: Factors that Impact Implementation of ATSM 1. Characteristics of Emergency Responders 2. Characteristics of the Caregiver 3. Characteristics of the Individual Whom You Serve 4. Characteristics of the Traumatic Event How can we help grieving individuals? Practical guidelines for assisting the grieving individual CHAPTER FIVE: Comprehensive Acute Traumatic Stress Management The Application of Acute Traumatic Stress Management within Organizations Organizational Impact The Three Phases of CATSM Planning Engagement Disengagement Informational Supportive Briefing (ISB) Family Support Summary CHAPTER SIX: Practical Application for Serious Injury/Death Notification 1. Assignment of Staff 2. The 3 Components of the Serious Injury/Death Notification Process A. Preparation B. Presentation C. Provision of ATSM 3. Special Considerations for Emergency Service Notifications 4. Do's and Don'ts of Serious Injury/Death Notification 5. Following the Serious Injury/Death Notification CHAPTER SEVEN: Helping Ourselves in the Aftermath of a Tragedy During the Event Following the Events Conclusion CHAPTER EIGHT: Conclusion Bibliography Appendices Trauma Response® InfosheetsTM Application and Examination for Certification in Acute Traumatic Stress Management About The American Academy of Experts in Traumtic Stress Excerpts from Trauma Response® Profiles Order Form Return to www.ATSM.org