Managing the Impact of Critical Incidents

Some incidents stay with you longer than others. It is important to understand what that can look like and how to respond.

Replaying the Incident

You may notice certain calls repeatedly coming back to mind. This can happen during quiet moments, while trying to sleep, or unexpectedly during daily activities.

Emotional Aftereffects

Feelings such as frustration, sadness, anger, or emotional detachment may surface after difficult incidents. These responses are not uncommon.

Physical Signs of Stress

Stress can also appear physically through headaches, tension, fatigue, or difficulty relaxing even when you are off duty.

Processing the Experience

Talking with peer support, journaling, or taking time to reflect on what happened can help reduce the weight of the incident over time.

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