Incident Response Team

What is the Incident Response Team?

A group of local mental health professionals who provide immediate counseling support, referrals to resources when necessary, and help for persons to begin the recovery process quickly. 

What is a Critical Incident?

Any event which results in substantial distress to bystanders or survivors can be regarded as a critical incident. Examples include death of a student or teacher, a worksite fatality or natural disaster.

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Why Have an Incident Response Team?

Research indicates that many of the negative effects from an incident can be prevented or moderated by the timely deployment of a crisis incident team. Persons who witness traumatic events such as deaths or disasters that cause destruction are emotionally impacted. While many individuals are able to cope using their natural support systems, some individuals can become overwhelmed by the event.

 

They may experience:
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Absenteeism
  • A higher rate of accidents
  • Depression/suicidal ideation
  • Inappropriate use of alcohol or drugs

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Who can call the team?

  • Schools, colleges, universities
  • Local governments
  • Health and human service professionals
  • Businesses
  • Faith communities, ministers
  • Community groups

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What are the Team’s Services?

  • Consultation and planning on how to
     deal with an incident
  • Trainings and in-services
  • On-site or phone incident response 
     and support
  • Information and referrals

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What Happens When You Call?

Your call is answered by a crisis intervention worker who will gather some information about what you need and contact the crisis team coordinator with your request.

You can expect to be contacted within hours with information about what the 
Incident Response Team can do immediately and what other resources may be available in the community. The team’s goal is to assist your 
organization in reducing the effects of a crisis incident. Your staff will have specific needs and concerns. Team members are focused on the services that will best 
support your staff, victims, and survivors.

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To activiate a team, contact the Townhall II's helpline, which operates 24 hours,
at 330-678-HELP (4357)

 

The team is composed of counselors supported by Mental Health & Recovery Board funded agencies.