Post Traumatic Stress - Post Course

 

COURSE: Chaplains Program TITLE:

Post Traumatic Stress Syndromes

PREPARED BY: Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police DATE PREPARED: August 2002

LESSON GOAL:

To provide an understanding of the Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome as it pertains to law enforcement and demonstrate effective approaches in association affected agency personnel.

STUDENT PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:

As a result of this block of instruction, the student will be able to:

• –  1. recognize the type of events that can trigger Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome;

• –  2. recognize various informal preparations of past influences that play a role in shaping us and our attitudes;

• •  3. recognize various formal preparations which help shape our professional attitudes and image;

• •  4. describe the various agency and non- agency personnel who typically arrive on the scene of an officer shooting; and

• •  5. understand the various reactions that can occur as a result of a shooting incident.

The primary issues to be examined and discussed in this course are:

* the type of events that can trigger Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

* various informal preparations of past influences that play a role in shaping us and our attitudes

* various formal preparations which help shape our professional attitudes and image

* various agency and non-agency personnel who typically arrive on the scene of an officer shooting

* the various reactions that can occur as a result of a shooting incident

A. Informal Preparation

• Childhood heroes
• Television and movie • War stories

B. Formal Preparation

• Police Academy
• Weapons Training
• Standard Operating Procedures • Department Guidelines
• Role Playing
• Stress-reduction techniques

C. Agency Response

• Department Personnel
– Command Staff --Crime Scene Techs – Internal Affairs --Family Members

• Media • Public • Family

D. Officer Reactions

• 1. Isolation
• 2. Physical Effects
• 3. Emotional Effects
• 4. The Cross-Over Syndrome

E. Other Possible Early Reactions

• Fear
• Denial
• Anger
• Replay • Guilt
• Concern

F. Possible Protracted Reactions

1. Sensory Distor4on:
2. Flashbacks:
   3. Fear of Insanity:
   4. Regret:

5. Crying at odd times and places:

6. Reaffirming of life:
7. Nightmares:

G. Responses From Others

1. Inappropriate Responses 

2. Appropriate Responses

 

To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all of the following for at least 1 month:

• •  At least one re-experiencing symptom

• •  At least one avoidance symptom

• •  At least two arousal and reactivity

  symptoms

• •  At least two cognition and mood symptoms

Re-experiencing symptoms including

• •  Bad dreams

• •  Frightening thoughts

Avoidance symptoms include:

• •  Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience

• •  Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the trauma3c event

Arousal and reactivity symptoms include:

• •  Being easily startled

• •  Feeling tense or “on edge”

• •  Having difficulty sleeping

• •  Having angry outbursts

Cognition and mood symptoms include:

• •  Trouble remembering key features

  of the traumatic event

• •  Negative thoughts about oneself

  or the world

• •  Distorted feelings like guilt or

  blame

• •  Loss of interest in enjoyable

  activities

Test Questions

• 1. Which of the following event best describes a trigger for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome:

a. death of a child
b. birth of a child
c. the loss of your vehicle

d. demotion in rank

• 2. Which of the following is NOT considered an informal preparation of past influences that play a role in shaping us and our attitudes

a. childhood heroes

b. a parent
c. a teacher

d. dreams

• 3. True or False: Departmental guidelines and standard operating procedures offer personal support for the officer involved in a shooting incident as well as advice on related legal issues.

• 4. Which of the following describes the various agency and non-agency personnel who typically arrive on the scene of an officer shooting:

a. chief or deputy chief
b. supervisors
c. crime scene investigators

d. all the above

5. ________________ is the impact on the officer involved in a shooting incident when he/ she is treated as an offender making him/her feel that everyone and everything is against him/her.

a. The China Syndrome
b. The Cross-Over Syndrome

c. The Isolation Syndrome
d. Relative Psychosis