Development of Crisis Response Kits

Brian Van Brunt, Ed.D.Western Kentucky University

Counseling and Testing Center Potter Hall 409 1906 College Heights Blvd #11024 Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 270-745-3159 (phone) 270-745-6976 (fax) www.wku.edu/heretohelp

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• We found ourselves being called into a variety of crisis situations with no notice:– Student death in residence halls– Leading a grieving group for friends or classmates– Running discussion with a floor experiencing a

trauma (rape/sexual assault)– Natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados– Man-made disasters like fire, terrorists, car

accidents

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University

Why develop these kits?

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• While we often responding well to these events, we thought preparing beforehand could help us respond in a more complete, professional and organized manner.

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University3

Grief, Trauma & Referral Handouts, Directions

• We include the following elements– Grief , Trauma & Referral Handouts, Directions– Relaxation CD, Master PowerPoint CD– New Client Intake/ At-Risk Screening– ID, Safety and First Aid Items– Distracters/Creature Comforts– Brochures, Business Cards

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University

What we Include in our Kit

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• We would suggest developing a 2 page, front-back handout on how best to respond to grief, following a loss. This would be a general handouts, designed with an appreciation that:– We all process grief differently– We each have a different time frame for

responding to loss– The information may not be useful now, but will

be later (perhaps to another person)

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University

Grief, Trauma & Referral Handouts, Directions

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• We also included a handout for those who will work for students (professors, resident directors, administrators).

• This handout includes information on how to work with students going through grief and when and where to refer them when grieving crosses over into pathological symptoms.

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University6

Grief, Trauma & Referral Handouts, Directions

• We include a trauma handout to help people understand the normal reactions that follow a traumatic event. The handout should include:– Biological symptoms– Psychological symptoms– CISM/CISD overview– Time frame of when to expect symptoms– Referral for teams, counseling– Ideas for those not affected, but looking to help

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University7

Grief, Trauma & Referral Handouts, Directions

• We include referral information for– Local counseling resources– Rape and sexual assault resources– Women’s shelter– Psychiatric hospitals– Suicide hotline, crisis lines– Directions to many of these locations (hotel)– On campus contact numbers

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University8

Grief, Trauma & Referral Handouts, Directions

• We include a master PowerPoint CD that has our full collection of presentations in the event that we need to present on a particular topic.

• We also have several copies of relaxations CD’s we use for helping students relax before going to bed and samples of guided imagery.

• If your bring a laptop, these can be downloaded to MP3/IPOD.

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University

Relaxation CD, Master PowerPoint CD

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• In the event that a student is particularly upset we can begin doing intake paperwork or assessment for depression/suicide (we use the Beck Depression Inventory-2 and the Beck Suicide Scale.)

• These are not used for everyone, just those who are looking for follow up counseling or those who are at higher risk.

• This structure may be helpful for some as well.

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University

New Client Intake / At-Risk Screening

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• We had staff ID cards made for each of our counseling staff. These are helpful for identification in secure areas and to let student know who you are.

• We include a number of safety items:– Glow sticks to identify areas in the night– Blanket and poncho if there is poor weather– Notebooks, flashlight

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University

ID, Safety and First Aid Items

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• We also have a first aid kit with basic items– Band-Aids– Gauze and first aid tape– Antiseptic– Gloves– Paper and pencil

• You may consider pairing with Health Services to cost share.

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University

ID, Safety and First Aid Items

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• We have found it useful to have a number of items to help create a “linus blanket” situation. These are:– Play dough– Silly Putty

• We also have free-food passes for our dining hall on campus, bottled water and tissues.

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University

Distracters / Creature Comforts

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• We include a number of our brochures and business cards for those who may want to make use of our services after our initial contact.

• These are also useful to pass around or leave in the back of the classroom for those who may not want to talk directly, but would follow up over time.

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University

Brochures, Business Cards

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• I’d estimate our cost per bag to be somewhere in the $50-$75 range.

• It may be useful to look at funding –– Student affairs general fund– Parent Organizations– Combining with police /health services

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University

Cost and Future Ideas

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Greenstone, J. (2008). “THE ELEMENTS OF DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY: Managing Psychosocial Trauma - An Integrated Approach to Force Protection.” APA

Dr. Brian Van Brunt, LPCC, CFC Western Kentucky University

Reference

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Development of Crisis Response Kits

Brian Van Brunt, Ed.D.Western Kentucky University

Counseling and Testing Center Potter Hall 409 1906 College Heights Blvd #11024 Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 270-745-3159 (phone) 270-745-6976 (fax) www.wku.edu/heretohelp

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