Responding to trauma

AFTER a traumatic incident in the community it is common to hear that counsellors are on the scene providing support.

Previous ADF practice was not very different, until two years ago. Previously, after an incident everyone with any involvement would be required to undergo some form of debriefing or counselling.

This left many people feeling it was expected that they couldn’t cope and were forced to accept assistance.

Now, the approach is based around education and screening. An Air Force member who is exposed to a traumatic event (often referred to as a “critical incident”) in the course of his or her duties can expect to be given a brief education session on trauma responses and be asked to complete a few short screening tests dealing with reactions to the event.

The screening is repeated about a week after the event and, if necessary, three months after the event. The screening program allows counselling services to be offered to those in need of it.

The decision on whether a critical incident support team should be called in is ultimately a command responsibility. Trauma responses are provided at the request of commanders or their representatives.

They should not take place without a CO’s request and consent. If you are asked to be involved in critical incident screening you can rest assured that your CO or unit leaders support the activity.

If you have reservations about participating you should raise your concerns through your chain of command. There are ADF critical incident mental health support teams in each region.

They can include psychologists, psychiatrists, chaplains, social workers and health service providers. Most of the major Air Force bases have their own local team.

Commanders or other Air Force members wishing to know more about their local team should contact their base psychologist or chaplains.

A chain of helpful links

IN THE modern information age, there is a temptation for personnel to bypass their chain of command and internal communications systems and refer issues in the first instance to higher authorities.

Referral of items direct to CAF, the Defence Minister’s office and, in some cases, even the Prime Minister (particularly by way of email) can substantially delay resolution as often the matter is referred back to the appropriate level for investigation and response.

Instead, matters should be referred to the Directorate of Personnel Executive Review – Air Force.

The Director is Wing Commander Andrew Elfverson, who can be contacted on (02) 6266 7560 or email andrew.elfverson@defence.gov.au.

Individual career plans

SINCE July 12, personnel have had the option of completing the RAAF Individual Career Plan (RICP).

This is an agreed strategic career plan tailored to individual requirements.

Unlike the ADF Employment Preferences and Restrictions Form AD148 – which outlines employment and location options – the RICP identifies a single employment path which is agreed for the next 2-6 years.

Information about this is available via the PMKeys Self Service.

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