How can you provide trauma-informed peer support and debriefing services?

1 What is trauma-informed peer support and debriefing?

Trauma-informed peer support and debriefing are forms of emotional and practical assistance that acknowledge the impact of trauma on people's lives and behaviors. They are based on the principles of safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. Trauma-informed peer support and debriefing aim to create a safe and supportive environment where peers can share their feelings, thoughts, and reactions to traumatic events, without being judged, blamed, or re-traumatized. They also offer resources, information, and referrals to help peers cope and recover.

2 Why is trauma-informed peer support and debriefing important?

Trauma-informed peer support and debriefing are important because they can help prevent or mitigate the negative effects of trauma on emergency management professionals. Trauma can affect people's physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, as well as their performance and productivity at work. Trauma can also impair people's ability to regulate their emotions, cope with stress, and relate to others. Trauma-informed peer support and debriefing can help peers to process their trauma, reduce their distress, enhance their resilience, and restore their sense of control and meaning.

3 Who can provide trauma-informed peer support and debriefing?

Trauma-informed peer support and debriefing can be provided by anyone who has a similar background, role, or experience as the person who needs support. This can include colleagues, supervisors, mentors, or peers from other organizations or agencies. The provider of trauma-informed peer support and debriefing should have some training and skills in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, active listening, and empathy. They should also be aware of their own trauma history, triggers, and boundaries, and seek supervision and self-care as needed.

4 When should you provide trauma-informed peer support and debriefing?

Trauma-informed peer support and debriefing can be provided at any time, depending on the individual's needs and preferences. However, it may be particularly helpful in certain situations, such as before a potentially traumatic event to plan for potential challenges and risks, during a traumatic event to ensure safety and security, or after a traumatic event to debrief and reflect on the experience. Additionally, it can be used on an ongoing basis to monitor and follow up on the person's well-being and recovery, as well as provide additional support or referrals if needed.

5 How should you provide trauma-informed peer support and debriefing?

Providing trauma-informed peer support and debriefing is important for respecting the person's autonomy, dignity, and diversity. Start by asking for consent and permission before offering or providing support, and always respect the person's right to decline or stop at any time. Establishing rapport and trust is key - be empathic, respectful, non-judgmental, and share your own relevant experiences or feelings if appropriate. Listen actively and attentively to the person's story without interrupting, criticizing, or giving advice; validate their feelings, thoughts, and reactions. Ask open-ended questions that encourage the person to express and explore their feelings, thoughts, and reactions. Provide information and education about trauma and its effects to normalize the person's responses. Offer practical and emotional support such as helping them to cope with stress or access resources; affirm their coping skills and resilience. Respect the person's culture, values, beliefs, and preferences; avoid imposing your own views or expectations on them. Maintain confidentiality unless there is a risk of harm; inform the person of any limits or exceptions to confidentiality. Refer them to other sources of support or professional help if needed; follow up with them to ensure they receive the appropriate care.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?