On-Scene Support

On-scene support is the second of three parts for effective recovery and growth through trauma.

This is literally what it sounds like - having someone turn up to the scene of an incident/trauma offering immediate support and Mental Health First Aid. 

This helps normalise the human response and greatly reduces the short and long-term impact of an incident.

For Individuals this may be as simple as having a number of contact people on your phone that you can call immediately and have one of them join you as soon as is practical to give you the support you need at that time.

For Work-Groups, Companies, Emergency Services  best practice would be to have trained peer support members in your own team and/or access to a trauma qualified Chaplain.

You may also have a number of qualified contacts listed in your Emergency Response Plan who may be available at short notice.

Again best practice would be to have one of these contacts join you on-scene - or within 24 hours - for an immediate Defuse and Mental Health First Aid check.

*IMPORTANT NOTE:  On-scene support works best when an individual or group has completed the Pre-Incident Education.

A Defuse is a rapid Mental Health Intervention that touches base with those immediately involved with an event/incident.  It is not an after action review.