Reference no: EM133712053

Assignment:

Of all the reading I have assigned, "Preparing for the Unimaginable" is the most vital. Each time I read it, I have a strong emotional reaction. It takes me a while to design these critical incident assignments. Each time I work on the material, 21 years of trauma come leaking out. Doing these exercises with you has been good therapy.

This story is why I push mental health and resilience so hard.

For each officer killed in the line of duty, two active police officers committed suicide. Including retired, fired, or suspended officers, there are four suicides to every line of duty death.

As you go forward in your careers in public affairs and criminal justice, you will be exposed to tragedies and forced to respond before you are ready. We are not allowed to be bystanders. Start taking care of yourselves and take care of your people now. Don't wait until the storm hits. By then, it's too late.

Research a mass casualty event with at least eight fatalities. This can be terrorism, mass homicide, or accidental or natural disaster. Find at least two sources that discuss whether your assigned section is being properly applied or the leadership's apparent lack of appropriate action. Summarize your findings, including what seems to have been done well and where they could have done better.

Extra Credit-2 points: Find a story of a first responder who struggled with PTSD from your critical incident. Summaries of the responders' stories and the resources they used to deal with them.