You are activated to respond to an active shooter incident at a local high school. You have been
informed that there are more than 24 individuals who have been shot with 7 confirmed
fatalities. You are assigned to provide disaster mental health support to students, faculty, & staff
who survived the incident. You are meeting the survivors in the school gymnasium. As a disaster
mental health counselor, respond to the following questions:
1. What specific strategies identified in this module/week's reading/presentations will equip
you to provide beneficial disaster mental health care?
Currently, my work is with military Veterans who are survivors of combat or military sexual
trauma in addition to those who worked in mortuary affairs or were service providers (EMT,
police, firefighters). After reviewing this week's readings, I found Jacob’s approach to be
intriguing: STOP-define/identify the primary issue; STOP-evaluate the situation; STOP-build
relationships; STOP-understand the individual's emotions and concerns; and STOP-evaluate the
situation (p. 67). Jacob (2016) employs the acronym STOP to assess the situation, which I agree
could be instrumental in facilitating the acquisition and provision of optimal care, as well as
attaining optimal outcomes in the case of a mass shooting.
I plan to use my time working with Combat survivors by becoming more acquainted with
this strategy. As stated by Jacob (2016), the process consists of the following stages: recognizing
one's own stress levels, evaluating the circumstances, establishing connections,
comprehending the individual's emotions and apprehensions, and determining the primary issue
(p. 67).
Furthermore, fostering an atmosphere of attentive listening and complete presence while
avoiding the risk of being intrusive facilitates the grieving process and provides an avenue for
the release of emotions. It is essential to be fully present and evaluate the situation in order to
acquire as much information as possible during active listening. A three-step methodology for
assessing the situation is suggested by Jacob (2016): comprehending the events that transpired,
determining the degree of peril, and identifying the individuals implicated (p. 70-71). Jacob
(2016) employs the STOP method to assess the situation with the aim of attaining favorable
results and optimal treatment in the case of a mass shooting, thereby ensuring its efficacy.
2. What scholarly, evidence-informed strategies would you consider?
Cowan et al. (2020) thoroughly examine the potential impacts on professional counselors by
studying the immediate, intermediate, and long-term stages (p. 173). In the initial phases,
individuals frequently require guidance and support to acquire the necessary resources. As
individuals make progress, they may be directed towards more conventional therapeutic
approaches like cognitive behavior therapy and prolonged exposure therapy. Over time, people
who have gone through challenging experiences may benefit from ongoing treatment that
promotes personal growth and positive changes in their lives (Cowan et al., 2020).
The three phases of contact with survivors are closely connected to the Individual's overall
experience, which can have a significant negative impact on them (Stebnicki, 2017, p. 200).
Recognizing the profound impact of a mass shooting, it is essential to acknowledge the potential
presence of suicidal thoughts stemming from feelings of grief, despair, and anger due to a
perceived lack of support.
Given the profound anguish experienced by numerous survivors, it is essential to
comprehend the profound ramifications of suicide. Fridel and Zimmerman (2019) suggest that
the choice to terminate one’s own life is influenced by personal characteristics and the
surrounding circumstances (p. 64). In addition, another model that deserves attention in the
examination of victim-survivors is the acronym BASIC, as described by Stebnicki (2017).
This model encompasses a broad spectrum of factors, including behavior, emotions, physical
reactions, interpersonal connections, cognitive functions, and spiritual beliefs and values.
Given the sensitive nature of the topic, it is essential to approach suicide prevention with
utmost care. By combining a strong knowledge base with active listening skills, we can strive
for a more favorable outcome. Given the concerning nature of mass shootings, numerous
techniques have been developed to address the aftermath. However, what I find most significant
is the need to fully engage and concentrate on the survivors in the current moment. They possess
a deep self-awareness, enabling them to form significant connections and experience personal
growth.
3. What strategies have you used or observed?
As I contemplate the strategies that have been observed, I am specifically drawn to the
application of BASICS and the three-phase contact. Place physical and other necessities as a
higher priority prior to undertaking any mental evaluation. Initiating trauma triage guarantees
that the affected person is able to completely concentrate on the current moment and give
precedence to their personal welfare.The provision of the mental health evaluation is contingent
upon the survivors' need for it. It is beneficial to observe the efficacy of psychological first aid
at various levels.
In addition, it is my conviction that the application of foundational principles and active
listening are essential components in supporting survivors as they navigate the phase of post-
traumatic development known as the present moment. Having served in the military, I have
witnessed firsthand the efficacy of collaborative efforts involving active listening and BASICS.
Melmer et al. (2019) posit that optimal response to mass casualties requires collaborative efforts
among various stakeholders, including local hospital operations, law enforcement, government
agencies, and other resources (p. 1022). Drawing on the knowledge and skills of multiple
agencies, encouraging cooperation, performing comprehensive evaluations, prioritizing tasks,
and devoting substantial effort to joint resources have proven to be exceedingly beneficial in my
personal experience from my military service. Above all else, having our Lord and Savior as my
personal beacon and allowing others to witness my conviction has proved beneficial to those
who may have lost their way. Proverbs 3:5-6 in the New International Version of the
Bible states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all
your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
References
Fridel, E. E., & Zimmerman, G. M. (2019). Putting homicide followed by suicide in context: Do
macro‐environmental characteristics impact the odds of committing suicide after homicide?
Criminology (Beverly Hills), 57(1), 34-73.
Jacobs, G. A. (2016). Community-based psychological first aid; A practical guide to helping
individuals and communities during difficult times. Published by Elsevier, New York.
New International Version. (2020). New International Version.
Melmer, P., Carlin, M., Castater, C. A., Koganti, D., Hurst, S. D., Tracy, B. M., Grant, A. A.,
Williams, K., Smith, R. N., Dente, C. J., & Sciarretta, J. D. (2019). Mass casualty shootings and
emergency preparedness: A multidisciplinary approach for an unpredictable event. Journal of
Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 12, 1013-1021.
Stebnicki, M. A. (2017). Disaster mental health counseling: responding to trauma in a
multicultural context. Published by Springer, New York.
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