Selkirk Trauma Assistance Team (STAT)

The purpose of the Selkirk Trauma Assistance Team (STAT) is to provide an organized, timely and supportive approach in responding to the aftermath of a traumatic incident that could affect the well-being of students and members of the college community (ie: the death of a student, major incidents or multiple casualties, natural disaster, crime and violent situations, witnessing a gruesome or emotionally gripping event or other tragedy).

Such incidents normally impact a number of individuals. Traumatic or critical incidents can be events that cause emotional or psychological trauma for those individuals exposed to the incident directly or indirectly.

STAT's objectives in responding to a critical incident are:

• To provide accurate and timely information about the critical incident to members of the college community.
• To provide individual and group resources and supports to assist Selkirk College students and staff to cope with the effects of the critical incident.
• To provide support to Selkirk College programs affected by the incident.

STAT's response is designed to provide program support, individual counselling, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) support, and/or trauma education support sessions to help reduce the negative impact of a traumatic event.

Procedure

STEP 1

When faced with a traumatic incident, the first step is to contact the STAT coordinator through any campus switchboard toll free at 1.888.953.1133, 1.866.301.6601 or through student services directly in Castlegar at 250.365.1273. Other members of the  STAT team may also be contacted in this way. Normally, the coordinator will immediately call a meeting of the STAT team. The team will clarify details of the incident, identify and organize resources, determine and initiate internal communication, and approach the affected program or college area with offers of support.

STEP 2

An internal communication will inform individuals of the availability of counselling supports and trauma education support sessions. Trauma education support sessions will be offered to programs or areas impacted by the incident. Such sessions will provide information on common reactions to traumatic events (emotional, cognitive, physiological, social and behavioural and spiritual), ways to cope, helpful tips, and things to remember which will assist in strategies for self-care. Individuals may also download the Coping With Traumatic Stress brochure.

STEP 3

Resources such as counselling supports will be offered to individuals experiencing difficulties. External resources are available, should the incident be too large for college resources to handle.