Recognizing Critical Incident Stress

The list below represents some of the temporary symptoms a person may have following a critical incident. These temporary symptoms may last from several days up to a couple of weeks, and weren't present before the incident. If the symptoms last longer than several months, it's important to seek professional help. The temporary symptoms may include:

Physical Symptoms*

• Fatigue,
• Difficulty sleeping or developing insomnia,
• Startling easily,
• Chest pain,
• Headaches,
• Elevated blood pressure,
• Rapid heart rate,
• Teeth grinding.

*Any of these symptoms may indicate the need for medical evaluation. When in doubt, contact a physician.

Behavioral Symptoms

• Hyperarousal – increased arousal - the person continues to anticipate an overwhelming threat. It may cause difficulties with attention and concentration.
• Avoidance - withdrawal - avoids close emotional ties with family, colleagues and friends, isolated, being distant, or other changes in social activity.
• Inability to rest,
• Intensified pacing,
• Erratic movement,
• Loss of or increase in appetite,
• Increased alcohol consumption - abusing alcohol or other drugs as a form of self medication,
• Change in usual communications,
• Completes only routine mechanical activities.

Emotional Symptoms

• Fear,
• Grief,
• Panic,
• Denial,
• Anxiety,
• Agitation,
• Irritability,
• Depression,
• Intense anger,
• Apprehension,
• Guilt because they survived while others didn't,
• Emotional outbursts - suddenly irritable or explosive, even when not provoked.
• Feeling overwhelmed,
• Loss of emotional control,
• Inappropriate emotional response,
• Inability to feel or express emotions,
• Emotional numbness (difficulty feeling love and intimacy, or in taking interest and pleasure in day-to-day activities).

Cognitive Symptoms

• Confusion,
• Nightmares,
• Uncertainty,
• Suspiciousness,
• Intrusive images - the unwanted memories may be so strong that the individual almost feels like he/she is actually experiencing the critical incident again,
• Blaming someone,
• Poor problem solving,
• Poor abstract thinking,
• Poor attention/decisions - indecisiveness, shorten attention span,
• Poor concentration/memory - disorientation of time, place or person,
• Difficulty identifying objects or people heightened or lowered alertness,
• Increased or decreased awareness of surroundings,
• Memory loss,
• Self-blame.

Critical Incident Stress Management Program

Emergency Medical Services Page

Mental Health Page