Crisis Intervention Training for Disaster Workers: An Introduction

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 288 pages
• Published by: Rocky Mountain DMH Institute Press
• Edition: 1st Edition August 16, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1932690425
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1932690422
• Book Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Weighs: 1 pounds

Product Description
This book provides information about training for mental health professionals and first responders who work with victims of disaster related stress and trauma. It helps prepare them to relate with disaster victims and co-workers. Warning signs and symptoms are explored together with stages, strategies and interventions for recovery.

The book will introduce you to disasters, the community response, the roles of first responders, Disaster Mental Health Services and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) responders and teams. It provides a brief overview of these and their roles in responding to the requirements of both victims and disaster workers. The role of CISM is presented and discussed both for disasters and other critical incidents. This includes discussion about war, terrorism and follow-up responses by mental health professionals. The book is designed to help readers identify appropriate methods for activating Disaster Mental Health Crisis Intervention Teams for disaster mental health services for victims, co-workers, and self.

The content includes general theory and models of Disaster Mental Health, CISM, crisis intervention techniques commonly used in these situations, supportive research, and practice of approaches used in responding to the victims, workers and communities affected by disasters, critical incidents and terrorism threats and events.

What People are Saying About Crisis Intervention Training for Disaster Workers

"Provides a breadth and depth of knowledge as well as practical tools for beginner to expert. Should be required reading for all disaster responders, and, especially, mental health professionals considering disaster work."
-Bruce L. Andrews, MS, LPC (ARC Disaster Mental Provider/Instructor)

"This text serves as a wonderful adjunct and lead into the discipline of CISM. It provides a brief survey of disaster mental health and disaster mental health services."
-Thomas Mitchell, LPC

Rocky Mountain Disaster Mental Health Institute Press

"Learning from the past and planning for the future"

RMRInstitute.org

Reader Reviews
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (10/07) As a certified first responder with the City of Austin Emergency Measures Office I was delighted to find more information to add to my training. (The City of Austin provided training as a result of 9/11 in the event Austin, Texas, experiences a disaster from terrorists or other incidents of major concern.) George W. Doherty's book certainly presents a concise and informative addition. Doherty explains it all, from psychological aspects to dealing with stress, trauma, and repercussions as well as how to deal with children, adults, elderly, and those with special needs during a crisis. He also covers societal and cultural aspects; however, he did not cover religious/spiritual beliefs of various groups. (The training I took covered this facet and I believe would be a good addition to Doherty's detailed information. Knowing one's beliefs gives direction to the responder of how to deal with the individual under duress.) But, there is more - he not only covers disasters and critical incidents, he covers war and terrorism. In addition, one extremely important aspect Doherty discusses is self-care. He gives in-depth suggestions for debriefing and follow-up. The back of the book gives selected references for further reading as well as a list of websites where more information is available. I felt this was an extremely good list and was amazed to see how much information was actually offered. Doherty also includes a "victims' needs" assessment and a course test. Reading this book and passing the course test will grant you a certificate with Contact Hours for approved organizations. The only downfall of the book is the cover. When I looked at the cover I was taken back because, aside from the title, it doesn't indicate the content of the book. Although a lovely photo of mountains and a lake is displayed, for marketing purposes I don't believe this cover gives the book justice. The cover is more inclined to look like a coffee table book rather than an informative training manual. From a marketing perspective, I highly recommend that the cover be changed for future printings. With all that said, I believe Doherty is providing a great addition to the library of a first responder, either beginner or one that is experienced. The information is well-researched and appropriate. Furthermore, I believe "Crisis Intervention Training for Disaster Workers" could be used by trainers when creating first responder to disaster training courses and be part of the study material.