3.24 - 3.27 Crisis Intervention

Crisis Management in Vocational Rehabilitation

1. Identification of Areas of Risk

• Individuals in crisis often exhibit cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioral responses, such as:

  • Cognitive: Blame, confusion, disorientation, poor concentration.

  • Physical: Increased heart rate, dizziness, fatigue, etc.

  • Emotional: Depression, anxiety, panic, guilt, anger.

  • Behavioral: Withdrawal, conflicts, trouble eating/sleeping.

2. Training of Individuals Prior to Crisis

• Organizations should have contingency and crisis-management plans.

• Crisis management includes rehearsing scenarios like fire drills.

• For high-risk cases (e.g., potential suicide), training programs like Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) are recommended.

3. Immediate Follow-Up After Crisis

• A crisis intervention process should include:

  • Risk identification: Policies on workplace violence and accident prevention.

  • Training: Pre-crisis drills and education.

  • Follow-up: Debriefing sessions for emotional support, involving Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

• Follow-ups should occur within 24-72 hours after a crisis.

• A crisis disrupts coping mechanisms, causing psychological and functional impairments.

4. Styles of Dealing with Crisis

• Denial/Withdrawal: Ignoring conflict; effective only for non-critical issues.

• Suppression/Smoothing Over: Downplays differences; useful for preserving relationships.

• Power/Dominance: Settles differences using authority or majority rule; risks creating winners and losers.

• Compromise/Negotiation: "Meeting halfway"; practical but may dilute solutions.

• Integration/Collaboration: Maximizes outcomes through open communication and mutual respect.

5. Crisis Management in the Workplace

• Crises may arise from workplace accidents, violence, or suicide.

• VR professionals must gather accurate information, reduce emotional intensity, and tactfully address issues.

• Key Actions:

  • Lower emotional levels.

  • Remove individuals from violent situations.

  • Strive for win-win solutions.

• Decision-making should consider both known and unknown consequences.

• Evaluation of outcomes helps improve future interventions.

Quiz: Crisis Management in Vocational Rehabilitation

1. What are typical cognitive responses to trauma?

A. Increased heart rate and dizziness.
B. Confusion, poor concentration, and self-blame.
C. Withdrawal from social activities.
D. Fatigue and sweating.

2. What is the purpose of debriefing sessions after a crisis?

A. To resolve workplace policies.
B. To provide emotional support and discuss the incident.
C. To assign blame for the crisis.
D. To identify the guilty parties.

3. Which crisis-management training is recommended for addressing suicide risks?

A. Basic First Aid.
B. Fire Safety Training.
C. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
D. Workplace Violence Awareness Training.

4. What is the main advantage of the "Integration/Collaboration" approach to conflict?

A. It uses authority to resolve disputes quickly.
B. It focuses on preserving relationships by avoiding conflict.
C. It maximizes outcomes through mutual understanding and respect.
D. It ensures a decision is made swiftly, regardless of fairness.

5. What is the first step in addressing a workplace crisis?

A. Evaluate the effectiveness of past interventions.
B. Determine the most likely solution.
C. Gather accurate information about the situation.
D. Take immediate action based on assumptions.

6. What is the purpose of evaluating the outcomes of crisis intervention?

A. To ensure all parties agree with the chosen solution.
B. To prepare better for future crises and fill any gaps in the current process.
C. To finalize and document the crisis for legal purposes.
D. To identify who was at fault in the crisis.

Answer Key

1. B - Confusion, poor concentration, and self-blame.

2. B - To provide emotional support and discuss the incident.

3. C - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).

4. C - It maximizes outcomes through mutual understanding and respect.

5. C - Gather accurate information about the situation.

6. B - To prepare better for future crises and fill any gaps in the current process.

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