This presentation will provide an explanation of why behavioral health concerns are a major component of emergency events and how behavioral health interventions can both prevent and mitigate certain consequences of disasters and other emergencies. Long-term behavioral health effects of disasters will be explained and discussed in the context of both prevention and intervention. Psychological First Aid will be defined and differentiated from other types of mental health care. Through didactic presentation and the use of role-plays and case vignettes, intervention techniques for Psychological First Aid will be demonstrated and compared. The importance of identifying self-care issues will be outlined and useful methods for reducing stress and secondary trauma among responders will be formulated.

You will learn the basics of how a Emergency dispensing site is run under the Incident Command Structure

This presentation will focus on understanding how to increase the effectiveness of interactions with people who are anxious or overwhelmed by a perceived or real public health threat. The manifestations of fear, anxiety, anger and panic will be portrayed and appropriate responses will be outlined. Staff issues, such as the stress of responding to the public and the importance of coping with one’s own fears about a potentially dangerous situation, will be explored. Techniques for effective communication skills, self care, and reducing stress will be demonstrated and compared through didactic information, case scenarios, group discussion and interactive practice sessions.