THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
THE
NATIONAL CENTER
INFOSHEET
THE 10 STAGES OF
ACUTE TRAUMATIC STRESS MANAGEMENTâ„¢
A Brief Overview
by Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.
Originator, Acute Traumatic Stress Management
Chairman, The National Center for Emotional Wellness
During a crisis, the primary objective is the stabilization of illness and injury and, ultimately, the preservation of life. While physical and safety needs are routinely addressed, many caregivers feel ill-prepared to address emergent psychological needs. Acute Traumatic Stress Management empowers healthcare providers and first responders to raise their level of care.
Following is a quick overview of the 10 Stages of Acute Traumatic Stress Management:
1. Assess for Danger/Safety for Self and Others
• Are there factors that can compromise your safety or the safety of others?
2. Consider the Mechanism of Injury
• How did the event physically and perceptually impact the individual?
3. Evaluate the Level of Responsiveness
• Is the individual alert and responsive? Under the influence of a substance?
4. Address Medical Needs
• For those who are specifically trained to manage acute medical conditions
5. Observe & Identify
• Who has been exposed to the event and who is evidencing signs of traumatic stress?
6. Connect with the Individual
• Introduce yourself, state your title and/or position. Once he is medically evaluated, move the individual away from the stressor. Begin to develop rapport.
7. Ground the Individual
• Discuss the facts, assure safety if he is, have him “Tell his story.” Discuss behavioral and physiological responses.
8. Provide Support
• Be empathic. Communicate a desire to understand the feelings that lie behind his words.
9. Normalize the Response
• Normalize, validate and educate.... “Normal person trying to cope with an abnormal event.”
10. Prepare for the Future
• Review the event, bring the person to the present, describe events in the future and provide referrals.
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CONTACT:
Dr. Mark Lerner
Chairman, The National Center for Emotional Wellness
© 2017 by Dr. Mark Lerner
NationalCenterforEmotionalWellness.org