Critical incidents: what the psychologist sees
Zara Hart A *A
Zara Hart is a registered psychologist with a master’s degree in Organisational Psychology, together with additional qualifications in Occupational Safety and Health and Workplace Training. Over the past 20 years she has held consulting and advisory roles in the oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, construction, and government sector industries. Her conference speaking credits include IOSH, London (2006), APPEA, Perth (2008) American Society of Safety Engineers, Orlando (2009) and Society of Petroleum Engineers, Bangkok (2009). More recently, she presented at Drillsafe, Perth (2023). Zara is inspired by positive psychology and holds a genuine belief that flourishing employees are the heart of successful organisations. She is happiest when collaborating with clients to improve safety, psychosocial health, and wellbeing at work. |
Abstract
In the life span of a critical incident, every decision counts. The opportunity to prevent the event has passed, so the avoidance and mitigation of risk becomes the primary goal. The same is true of early intervention in trauma. This paper shares the experience of these events from the perspective of a visiting psychologist. It will include tips for Emergency Management Teams (EMTs) in setting the psychologist up for effective interventions. Also, a triage model that can be used to mitigate psychological harm and channel the most impacted crew members towards help is discussed. It will also suggest ways that operators can collaborate with Employee Assistance Providers to ensure that impacted crew members receive trauma informed care post crisis.
Keywords: critical incident, emergency response teams, employee assistance providers, psychologist, stress, trauma, trauma informed care, triage.
Zara Hart is a registered psychologist with a master’s degree in Organisational Psychology, together with additional qualifications in Occupational Safety and Health and Workplace Training. Over the past 20 years she has held consulting and advisory roles in the oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, construction, and government sector industries. Her conference speaking credits include IOSH, London (2006), APPEA, Perth (2008) American Society of Safety Engineers, Orlando (2009) and Society of Petroleum Engineers, Bangkok (2009). More recently, she presented at Drillsafe, Perth (2023). Zara is inspired by positive psychology and holds a genuine belief that flourishing employees are the heart of successful organisations. She is happiest when collaborating with clients to improve safety, psychosocial health, and wellbeing at work. |
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