Managing initial response to critical incidents at work

By Pinar Karabulut, Psychologist & Board Approved Supervisor

Early, trauma-informed support is essential to reduce long-term psychological harm and restore safety and productivity.

What is a critical incident?

A critical incident is any unexpected event that causes intense emotional distress and exceeds an individual’s coping capacity. Common examples include:

• Serious injury or fatality at work

• Exposure to violence or aggression

• Mental health emergencies

• Natural disasters or large-scale disruptions

  
  

These events can trigger Critical Incident Stress, a normal but acute psychological response that may include shock, confusion, anxiety, or withdrawal.

 1. Acknowledge What Happened

• It’s normal to feel shocked, numb, anxious, or even detached.

• Try not to judge your reaction—everyone processes trauma differently.

• Give yourself permission to feel what you feel, without rushing to “move on.”

  
  

2. Prioritise Safety and Rest

• Take time away from the scene if possible.

• Reduce exposure to distressing reminders (e.g., media coverage, retelling the story repeatedly).

• Focus on basic needs: sleep, hydration, nutrition, and gentle movement.

3. Understand Common Reactions

You may notice:

• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

• Irritability or emotional swings

• Physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue These are common signs of your nervous system trying to recalibrate.

4. Connect with Support

• Talk to someone you trust—a friend, family member, colleague, or therapist.

• Access your workplace’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or request a referral to a trauma-informed psychologist.

• You don’t have to go through this alone.

5. Use Grounding Techniques

When overwhelmed, try:

• 5-4-3-2-1 grounding: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.

• Box breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4.

• Movement: Gentle stretching, walking, or yoga can help discharge stress

  
  

6. Monitor Your Recovery

• Most people begin to feel better within a few weeks.

• If distress persists or worsens after 4–6 weeks, seek professional support.

• Early care can prevent long-term impacts like PTSD or burnout.

At Reflective Room Psychology, we help professionals and individuals experiencing workplace stress and burnout to find balance, regain energy, and reconnect with what matters most.

By Pinar Karabulut

All rights reserved.

References

1. Australian Psychological Society. (2022). Understanding critical incident stress

2. Phoenix Australia. (2023). Psychological First Aid: An Australian guide

3. WorkSafe Victoria. (2021). Managing trauma in the workplace

4. Safe Work Australia. (2020). Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards

5. Black Dog Institute. (2023). Workplace mental health toolkit

Critical incident response

Workplace trauma support

Psychological first aid at work

Employee mental health crisis

Trauma-informed workplace practices

Managing stress after workplace incident