Here you will find the answers to some frequently asked questions around our emergency services trauma intervention programme.
General
Why should I adopt this?
In the emergency services, exposure to potentially traumatic events are routine experiences for personnel, which may negatively impact their long-term wellbeing, particularly where inadequate support is available.
ESTIP has been designed to specifically to address the trauma support needs of the emergency services, and reflects current understanding of best practice in early trauma interventions.
What is the process to adopting this in my force?
ESTIP is a force led programme and should have the agreement and approval of senior leaders. Forces will contact the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS) to register their interest.
What is the cost?
Training in ESTIP is provided free of charge by the NPWS, however the model requires a dedicated coordinator.
How does this link in with the other live services such as peer support and psychological surveillance?
Peer support is the foundation on which ESTIP is based. Trained peer supporters are eligible to undertake our ESTIP training courses.
Psychological surveillance is an online assessment for officers and staff in the highest risk roles and this service will complement ESTIP.
Why are we offering the post incident support programme?
This programme has been developed, in conjunction with a specialist, third party supplier, to:
- ensure the safety and wellbeing of the individual and that of the whole team, whilst returning them to operational duties in the shortest possible time
- raise awareness and educate police personnel about the possible impact of critical incidents and thereby reduce the likelihood of traumatic long-term effects
- support and help management and individuals at the time of an incident by providing a post incident support
- normalise the emotional reactions of an individual to a critical incident by a process of demobilisation and defusing
- reinforce confidence through a structured remobilisation and return to work programme
- provide an on-going system of support for individuals and their families as appropriate
- increase your awareness of the impact of being exposed to critical incidents
- provide opportunities to develop appropriate skills and responses to support colleagues
- understand when it is appropriate to refer to occupational health
- help individuals protect their own mental health and wellbeing
Forces will be invited to attend the post incident support programme training or they can request to become involved.
All forces undertaking this training must agree to provide a technical/instructor level officer in the role that the specific training course is focused on. To act as a specialist to focus on local knowledge and procedures of that force.
All police officers and staff who are involved, or likely to be involved in a post incident procedure or have responsibility for a member of staff who is involved in the post incident support procedure are eligible to take this training.
For clinicians
What if we use an EAP – process?
EAPs may be used as a signposting resource.
How does this link with OH standards, psychological surveillance, and psychiatric assessments?
OH standards provide forces with a baseline guide of services, one of which is to provide psychological surveillance. This is a pro-active tool for psychological wellbeing whereas ESTIP is a number of tiered interventions that are used post incident.
For chief officers
What support are you providing to my force to adopt?
The NPWS will provide guidance and training free of charge for forces who adopt ESTIP.
This will support the workforce to manage and deal with the aftermath of continuous exposure to traumatic incidents.