P. 18 If you experience a critical incident or traumatic event at work, follow these tips: • Remain calm. Someone needs to take charge and that will require a certain amount of stable behavior during what sometimes can be a chaotic time. • Call 911, if appropriate, and contact security. Follow your company’s emergency protocol. • Notify Human Resources of the event and review possible support services available, including your EAP, and if applicable, your internal risk response protocol. • Assess the need for on-site group crisis support. On-site debriefing services are available through your EAP. • Be available to listen to what your staff needs to talk about. This is important to begin the recovery process. • Try not to minimize the trauma in an attempt to make staff feel better. The best thing you can do is offer support. • Recognize that you are not immune to the trauma. You may require your own support in time. • Offer your staff foods that will re-hydrate and replace vitamins and minerals. Try fruits, fruit juices, vegetables and water. Critical incidents can include: • Workplace accidents • The death of an employee’s family member or significant other • Major downsizing/restructuring • Bomb threat • A health epidemic • The death of a colleague • Serious or terminal illnesses • Theft or robbery • An environmental disaster Each organization needs to identify and recognize what potential critical incidents in their specific workplace.