A NOTE FROM ERIE COUNTY ESU:
As you read the following important reminder from WNY Stress Reduction Program President Tom Luka; please join us in thanking and congratulating Kathy Goeddertz as she retires from Erie County EMS at the end of the September. Kathy has served as the coordinator for this valuable program for many years and has dedicated herself to helping those who help others. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.
From: Goeddertz, Kathleen
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2014 7:58 AM
Subject: WNYSRP Narrative 2014
WESTERN NEW YORK STRESS REDUCTION PROGRAM
September 2014
As fall approaches, we often reflect on events of the past summer. Fun vacations, family times, and other enjoyable events. We also remember significant events of the past which were a lot more somber. The 13th anniversary remembrance of the 911 attacks, and the crash of flight 3407 in Clarence to name a few.
There are also the everyday calls that Police Fire, and Emergency Medical crews respond to. Many are routine, some significant, and some which can expose us to cruel and unforgiving situations. As Emergency responders, we develop our own coping mechanisms to deal with these situations. Occasionally, the memories of these calls may be tough to shake off, and we experience what is known as “CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS". It is caused by a challenging event that has the potential to create significant distress, and overwhelm a person’s normal coping mechanisms, and ability to function. This can happen at the scene, or be delayed for hours, days or longer. It does not have to be a catastrophic event causing this; it can just be something about the call that is significant for that individual.
The Emergency Services Community devotes 24-7-365 to the care of others. We should also reflect on what we do to take care of ourselves.
The Western New York Stress Reduction Program (WNYSRP) was founded in 1987, to meet the growing need for stress management in the emergency services community. Our mission is dedicated to providing critical incident stress management services to emergency responders in Erie, Wyoming, Niagara and Genesee counties on a 24-7-365 basis. The services are confidential, and free of charge. It is an all-volunteer organization consisting of specially trained Fire, Police, Emergency medical service peer counselors, Clergy, and Mental Health personnel. We perform the service by providing education and support, which provides the understanding and tools to deal with Critical Incident Stress.
Some of the interventions the WNYSRP provides include, but are not limited to
- PRE-INCIDENT EDUCATION AND PREPARATION
- DIFFUSIONS AT THE SCENE IF REQUESTED
- CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS DEBRIEFINGS IN LARGE OR SMALL GROUPS AT YOUR STATION
- ONE ON ONE ASSISTANCE
- PASTORAL CRISIS INTERVENTION
- FOLLOWUPS AND REFERRALS
- THERE IS ALSO A POLICE HELPLINE AVAILABLE
The provision of these services by specially trained team members, can help to lessen the symptoms, and impact of Critical incident stress, with the goal of accelerating the recovery process.
Our brochure which contains greater detail and contact information can be accessed on our website, www.erie.gov/depts/wnystress. If you have an immediate need, you can call 716-898-3696 (MERS Control).
We would appreciate it if you would share this information with your membership
On behalf of the WNYSRP, and all that you serve, we want to thank you for what you do.
Remember, if you need us the WNYSRP will be there. Feel free to contact our office at 716.681.6070 or wnystress@yahoo.com should you have any questions or require further information.
In Service
Thomas Luka EMT-P
President, Western New York Stress Reduction Program