RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Traumatic events have the potential to cause a stress response in a person. Some witness events as part of their job, and others because of circumstance.
Because everyone reacts differently to traumatic events, the Air Force established the requirement for Traumatic Stress Response (TSR) teams at all active duty Air Force installations.
According to Air Force Instruction, the TSR's primary role is to consult with unit leaders and provide initial response when groups or individuals expect to be, or have been, exposed to a potentially traumatic event.
Maj. Shelia Beville, Randolph TSR team chief, explained that everyone may not have the same response to traumatic events and their stress related symptoms may vary.
"Different types of events cause stress, such as a suicide or work-related deaths in a unit, assaults, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or even vehicle accidents," she said. "The TSR team is available to assist and will determine what services are needed."
The TSR team is responsible for providing pre-exposure training, consultation, screening, education and referral. The TSR team chief will coordinate TSR services when requested by unit leaders.
"We call it psychological first aid. We like to get in there and talk to people, identify their stress symptoms and help them return to their normal daily functioning as soon as possible," Major Beville said. "The TSR is a great tool for commanders and unit leaders and should be considered in the event of excessive exposure to a traumatic event."
The major explains that stress related symptoms such as sleep and appetite disturbances, sadness, irritability, being easily startled and difficulty staying focused are normal responses to trauma and should be addressed whenever they appear.
"Some people may experience symptoms immediately, others later down the road," she said. "We want to emphasize the fact that it is normal to experience these symptoms."
As part of pre-exposure preparation, or PEP, TSR teams visit units or individuals to prepare them for potentially traumatic events. The team members will brief first responders and others who may be exposed to a traumatic situation on what to expect.
According to the TSR AFI, people who experience or witness a traumatic event may receive up to four one-on-one meetings with any member of the TSR team.
"Some people may hesitate to call us because they think it will be documented and possibly affect their job," Major Beville said. "But, one of the best ways to combat the symptoms of traumatic stress response is to talk to someone.
"These one-on-one meetings are not considered counseling sessions and will not generate a note in the member's medical record," she said. "We are here to help."
For more information on the TSR team, call Major Beville at 652-2448.