CI & MA

Critical Incident Response

CI & MA

Critical Incident Response

A Critical Incident (CI) is an unexpected event that poses a real or perceived threat to an employee’s psychological wellbeing. These events can trigger strong emotional reactions and temporarily overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope.

At RMs – EAP, we provide immediate, evidence-based support to individuals and teams impacted by traumatic workplace events—delivered both on-site and remotely.

Our approach includes:

  • Immediate psychological support following a critical incident
  • Psychoeducation sessions to help staff understand and manage acute stress responses and reduce the risk of longer-term psychological injury (e.g. PTSD)
  • Short-term monitoring and follow-up to identify emerging signs of distress
  • Individual counselling for employees impacted by trauma, stress, or grief

We support organisations following events such as:

  • Employee injury, death, or serious illness
  • Workplace suicide or suicide attempts
  • Assault, abuse, or threats of violence
  • Robbery or violent incidents in or near the workplace
  • Workplace accidents or critical safety events
  • Conflict, bullying, or organisational disruption
  • Redundancies and organisational change

While some industries are at higher risk, any workplace can experience a critical incident. RMS – EAP works with a broad range of sectors, including high-risk environments where employees may be exposed to trauma, stress, or vicarious trauma.

Manager Hotspot / Assist

Our Manager Assist Program provides leaders with practical guidance, coaching, and specialist support to help them effectively manage employee wellbeing.

This includes:

  • Advice on supporting employees following critical incidents
  • Guidance on managing performance, behaviour, and wellbeing concerns
  • Coaching for difficult conversations and workplace challenges
  • Support in responding to complex or sensitive situations

By equipping managers with the right tools and support, we help organisations create psychologically safe and responsive workplaces.

CI & MA

Critical Incident Response

A critical incident is an unforeseen event that poses a real or perceived threat to an employee’s well-being, often resulting in a powerful emotional response that temporarily overwhelms their coping abilities. At RMs, we offer best-in-class services to provide immediate emotional support for individuals affected by traumatic workplace events, whether on-site or off-site.

Our services encompass:

  • Information sessions for staff on managing Acute Stress Response to prevent PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress) following a critical incident in the workplace.
  • Short-term monitoring of affected staff to identify signs of stress-related psychological injury.
  • Counseling for individuals suffering from PTSD or those affected by trauma or stress.

While certain professions may be more susceptible to traumatic experiences, any workplace can potentially be the site of a traumatic event. We are equipped to respond and offer support following a wide range of potentially traumatic incidents, including:

  • Employee injury, death, or disability.
  • Workplace suicide or suicide attempts.
  • Assault or abuse.
  • Violence in or near the workplace, such as robberies.
  • Workplace accidents, violence, conflicts, or fights.
  • Redundancies.
  • Bullying.
  • Organisational restructuring.

We also collaborate with unique employee groups at higher risk of stress, violence, or vicarious trauma, such as those working in the funeral industry, nightclubs or bars, and emergency services.

Key Considerations:

  • Early intervention is simple and cost-effective, focusing on education, brief emotional support, and ‘psychological first aid.’
  • Delaying support can lead to costly treatment, as trauma-related injuries may develop.
  • Responses to trauma vary from person to person, and signs of distress may not always be evident.
  • Traumatic stress injuries, like PTSD, can develop months after the event.
  • Untreated traumatic stress can reduce employee well-being, leading to lost productivity, higher claim costs, and increased insurance premiums.

In the event of a critical incident, offering immediate support, empathy, and encouragement is essential. Trauma responses vary widely, and recognizing the signs of post-traumatic stress is crucial for managers and colleagues to provide support when needed.

Common Symptoms of Trauma-Related Psychological Injury:

  • Unusual irritability.
  • Decreased workplace performance.
  • Withdrawal from social activities and communication.
  • Conflict with colleagues.
  • Increased alcohol consumption.
  • Melancholy or signs of depression.
  • Personality changes.
  • Sleep disturbances.
  • Engaging in risky behaviour.

It’s important to note that some of these symptoms can overlap with more general job-related concerns, including issues like poor workplace performance, interpersonal conflicts, disagreements with management, or physical health problems. Our Employee Assistance Program is designed to provide support to affected staff and their managers, helping them address the impact of stress, whether it’s related to a critical incident or broader workplace challenges.

In an environment, where workplace stress claims are on the rise, flourishing businesses understand the importance of having a professional and responsive EAP provider. Today’s businesses simply can’t afford to overlook the value of such a service. Feel free to call us today for immediate assistance.

Apart from our Critical Incident Response, Manager assistance, and specialized support, we have experience in addressing a wide range of common critical incidents for which employers often seek assistance.

CI & MA

2. Manager Assist & Support

Our Manager Assistance program provides coaching and specialized counseling options to guide and advise managers in supporting their staff’s needs effectively.