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  DISASTER RESPONSE NETWORK NEWS
A quarterly update of the APS Disaster Response Network (DRN)

December 2014

Red Cross/APS seeking psychologists to volunteer for independent debriefing with Red Cross in response to the Sydney Siege

Dear DRN volunteer

The tragic siege in Sydney has been traumatic for many people.  As well as those who were directly involved, there many more who were indirectly but powerfully affected – co-workers, passers-by, family and friends, etc. 

The Red Cross have been sending out personal support teams to be with people around Martin Place, and have contacted the APS to ask for some DRN volunteers to help with independent debriefing.  This is a role that we have done for the Red Cross in previous years. 

The main purpose for the independent debriefing is to ensure people’s wellbeing is checked when they have returned to their normal life after an emergency activation. 

Debriefers will:
• Make phone contact with individuals who have been deployed in Red Cross emergency services operation to provide assistance independent of incident management team, supervisors and Red Cross management
• Check on how people are going since their role with the Red Cross
• Discuss issues of concern and outcomes being sought.
 

To register your interest in being a DRN volunteer for the Red Cross, please click here and fill in the form.  You will be asked to provide your name, email, phone number, and AHPRA registration number.

Many thanks, and best wishes to all over Christmas and the New Year.

Regards,

Dr Susie Burke
Public Interest, Environment and Disaster Response

APS Guidelines for helping children deal with frightening events and media coverage

The APS has produced a new set of guidelines for helping parents to talk with children about frightening events like the Sydney Siege.

Guidlines for helping children deal with frightening events and media coverage.

 

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