Help for different interveners
Various actors play a part in the prevention of negative effects following critical incidents, and in supporting and caring for crew members. These interventions can have a profound positive or negative influence on the recovery process, the ability to return to work in good conditions and the long term consequences.
Below, we summarise the principal elements that different individuals and organizations should be aware of when intervening in the context of a railway critical incident.
Actor(s) |
Section specifically relevant in the website |
Key messages |
Local manager or company officer |
Treat crew members as victims of the incident Empathy has a major positive long term helpful effect |
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Claims department |
A person may not put in a claim after a major incident, but still suffer from delayed onset of traumatic reactions after another less important incident. |
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Medical department |
Obstacles to access and use of support and care interventions |
A person may not put in a claim after a major incident, but still suffer from delayed onset of traumatic reactions, after another less important incident. |
Company management |
Obstacles to access and use of support and care interventions Risk and protective factors for the impact of critical incidents |
Local managers should be supported too, to be able to properly help crew members. |
Emergency services - Railway police - Local police - Ambulance workers |
Risk and protective factors for the impact of critical incidents |
People may be in shock and not know it Feeling responsible has a long term negative impact on recovery Treat crew members as victims of the incident Empathy has a major positive long term effect A single point of reference for the incident management alleviates stress |
Coroner |
Risk and protective factors for the impact of critical incidents |
The longer the crew members are held at the scene, the more difficult it becomes for them to return to normal |
Employee assistant programme - Representative - Clinician |
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Health professional - Psychiatrist - Medical Doctor - Psychologist - Social Worker |
Obstacles to access and use of support and care Interventions |
Negative previous experiences will inhibit crew members from seeking needed help An offer of long term proactive help is necessary to improve access to and use of resources |
Union - National office - Legislative representative - Local representative |
Potential effects of critical incidents |
Information and prevention are keys to recovery |
Workers Compensation Board - Claims officer - Legislator |
Delayed onset of traumatic reactions should be considered. A claim cannot be analysed out of the context of the person’s overall work life |
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Peer (from peer support programme) |
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Railway Association of Canada - Medical handbook |
The medical rules should be clarified as to the process and consequences associated with PTSD and other stress related diagnoses The medical rulse should include a specific section on the consequences of work related traumatic events |
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Transport Canada |
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Transportation Safety Board |