Whenever an incident appears to have been overwhelming

 Whenever an incident involves the death or serious injury of a child

 Whenever the incident results in the death or serious injury of a peer

 Whenever an incident involves a prolonged rescue to a recovery

 Whenever the need for help is felt even if only by one person involved in the incident.
It has been our experience that if one person is trying to deal and is having a difficult time, 
then others are or will be soon.

Again, these are but a few of the known reasons that it is important to include
the use of a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team.
The ideal time to activate the team is when the thought first crosses your mind! This is usually when the look on the faces of the rescuers is a neon sign waiting to be noticed. At this time the officers in charge are given the added responsibility of looking after the mental welfare of their team. One of the services of the team is to respond to the scene of an extended rescue or recovery and deliver an on scene defusing. This simply means that the team members are on scene to assist in the mental well being of all. In no way is the team there to interfere in the progress of the systems at work. This is usually followed with a full debriefing either immediately after the incident or within the next twenty-four hours.

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Now that you know when the services of the STRESS TEAM could be most useful, we need to discuss the standard PROTOCOL to activate the team.

It has been our experience that it is always best that an officer of the service involved make the call. This tends to avoid confusion for all.

The initial call can come from the incident commander or coordinator, if the officer involved is in the line of duty.

A contact person will be needed from the service so that information can be gathered prior to the teams arrival.

In most cases it is in the best interest of all to know as much as possible ahead of time. This will help us to determine if another team will be needed due to the number of rescuers involved. We may also at that time contact agencies at our disposal with a proficiency in certain areas.

If and when the need does arise for the use of other agencies the STRESS TEAM will contact Columbia 911 and advise them of the impending need. The agency coming into the county will be advised to contact Columbia 911 for authorization as they will be entering our county under a mutual aid policy.

Columbia 911 will have contact with the team either by pager or cell phone at all times.

Should the need arise for the team to enter an area that is secure they will gain authorizations from the service in charge and if necessary ask for assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff's Department.

For the sake of clarity we ask that if there are any questions in regard to the team, it's functions, or unclear policies, that you feel free to contact our coordinator at any time.

Please be aware that our team will not attempt to activate itself at any time. All requests for the team must come through the proper channels.