DISASTER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

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DISASTER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

• Part of Maines Response
• Before, During
• After

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The Case for Disaster Behavioral Health

• Local Response Immediate
• Trained Volunteers
• Special Populations Focus

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FEMA Natl Response Framework

• Populations whose members may have additional
  needs before, during and after an incident in
  functional areas including but not limited to
• maintaining independence, communication,
  transportation, supervision or medical care.

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PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID (PFA)

• Model(s) used to help others in times of stess
• Stress Reactions
• Victims and Disaster Workers

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STRESS REACTIONS

• Feelings, emotional states
• Thinking, expression of thoughts
• Physical effects
• Behaviors
• Spirituality

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Tools

• Psychological First Aid
• Flexibility
• Compassion
• Patience
• Listening

• Promote Calm
• Allow Ventilation
• Provide Support
• Problem-Solve

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Rapid DBH Triage The Next Level Mass Casualty
Events

• Rapid identification of high risk sub populations
  in near real time
• PsySTART Psychological Simple Triage and Rapid
  Tx
• Incident Mgt Strategy (NIMS)

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Ft. Kent Flooding 08
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RESPONSE INFLUENCES

• Immediacy!!!
• Disaster Characteristics
• What, When, Who, Where

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PFA Tasks

• Making a connection engagement
• Promoting safety
• Being kind, calm, compassionate
• Meeting basic needs
• Listening validating feelings
• Giving realistic assurance
• Encouraging good coping

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Tasks contd --

• Helping people connect
• Giving accurate and timely info
• Making a referral to a DMH worker
• Ending the conversation
• Taking care of yourself

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Psychological First Aid (PFA)
Core Action 1 Contact and Engagement Core
Action 2 Safety and Comfort Core Action 3
Stabilization Core Action 4 Information
Gathering Core Action 5 Practical
Assistance Core Action 6 Connection and Social
Supports Core
Action 7 Information and Coping Core Action 8
Linkage with Collaborative Services
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PFA Basic Principles

• Encourage Goal-Oriented Behaviors
• Promote Connectedness
• Instill Hope
• Use Support Network
• Re-establish Routines

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Let Them Tell Their Story
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Center for Disease Control Prevention Office
of Emergency Health Preparedness Disaster
Behavioral Health Team

• Broad base of volunteers
• County-by-county EOC presence
• Two-day training curriculum
• IS-100 (ICS) IS-700 (NIMS)
• Background checks
• Credentials to respond
• Health Alert Network notification
• Annual drills and exercises