Critical Incidents

What is a Critical Incident?

A critical incident may be a single traumatic event such as a violent episode or life-threatening emergency, or it may be that you have witnessed enduring or repeated events which have become overwhelming over time. 

In the first instance we require you to report the incident to your Manager/Supervisor who will ensure that appropriate action has been taken to manage the situation and ensure that no-one else is at risk.  This may involve contacting the Emergency Services, Security, HR Branch and/or the Manager HSW depending on the circumstances.  The Manager/Supervisor will offer immediate assistance to persons involved and document the details of the incident.

Critical Incident Debriefing

Following the incident, the University will arrange for timely and appropriate counselling and support to those who have been directly and/or indirectly impacted.  It should be noted that this service is offered to staff, but is not compulsory.  Depending on the situation and the individuals involved, debriefing may be provided individually or as a group.

How do you arrange for Critical Incident Debriefing?

Managers/Supervisors are to contact the HSW Team on 8313 6079 (Manager, HSW), 8313 5904 (HSW Specialist, Injury  Management and Wellbeing), or 8313 0174 (Senior HSW Consultant).

The HSW Team will co-ordinate services with CHG.

Further Assistance

For individuals who are experiencing persisting symptoms, further assistance is also available through the University’s Employee Assistance Program.

Incidents involving Students

Additional assistance can be obtained by contacting Student Counselling Services, Ground Floor, Horace Lamb Building, North Terrace Campus (8313 5663).