ACISA

Australasian Critical Incident Stress Association

Australian communities have, on many occasions in the past, been devastated, both materially and emotionally, by a range of natural and man-made emergencies.

Collectively known as crisis events or critical incidents, these include bushfires, cyclones, floods, earthquakes, armed hold-ups, mass killings, transport accidents and industrial accidents.

Research has shown that, for many people, the stress reactions that can result from such trauma may be severe and long lasting. The cost to individuals, communities and the nation of the debilitating emotional and psychological effects of such events is enormous.

Over the years increasing attention has been given to intervention processes that may be implemented to help in the prevention of long-term effects after exposure to such events.

The Australasian Critical Incident Stress Association (ACISA) is an association of people working in the field of trauma who aim to ensure the provision of critical incident stress management, education and information to all organisations whose members are exposed to traumatic incidents.

The Australasian Critical Incident Stress Association does not subscribe to any one model but encourages research, discussion and debate to ensure best practice in the field of trauma response.

The Association was formed at a conference in Melbourne in 1990. The Association holds an Australasian conference every two years and has endeavoured to provide a base for networking and sharing of knowledge and experiences among people working in the field of trauma. Membership extends throughout Australia and New Zealand.

What is a Crisis Event/Critical Incident?

Exposure to a stressful event can be either directly or indirectly. The events can range from a very serious accident, resulting in permanent disability or death, life threatening injury or death from personal violence, multiple deaths at the one time in either man-made or natural events. This can include such events as rape, transport accidents, shooting and community violence, being robbed, mugged or assaulted or the death of a much loved family pet.

At the time of exposure to such events, people may be living their lives as usual, so they may experience an element of great shock. The traumatised person may be unable to respond or feel frozen, or they may feel frightened, stressed and unable to act. Exposure to any of these events may bring extreme horror and distress, both at the time it occurs and later.

Many workplaces have to deal with death and trauma on a regular basis, for instance Police, Ambulance, Fire, Forensic workers, Hospital and Medical staff, Social Workers, and mental health professionals. The cumulative impact of these incidents may lead to post traumatic stress reaction on in these workers.

In a number of other workplaces the risk of threat, injury or death can occur. For example Banks, Insurance, Shops and Petrol Stations who is the victim of a armed hold-up, the mine worker who experiences a cave-in while working underground, the social worker or mental health professional dealing with child abuse.

Appropriate training and practical skills may help people deal with these stressful experiences when they occur. No one becomes immune from the effects of a traumatic event but it is how we respond and manage the reactions that are important.

PROPOSED CHANGES

Since the incorporation of the Association there has been considerable advances and change in the area of trauma and stress management. The Association does not subscribe to a particular model but encouraging research and evaluation, promote training and information, and maintain and encourage communication within the profession and the community.

The following draft proposal outlines possible changes in Name, Mission Statement and Method. The purpose is to encourage further thought and discussion with the undertaking that a new redrafted Constitution will be considered at the 2006 Annual General Meeting.

Any comments or suggestions can be made to any member of the Association’s Executive or by writing to Brian Gitsham, 5 Wilson Terrace, Glenelg East, 5045 by 31 December 2005.

DRAFT CHANGES

AUSTRALASIAN STRESS AND TRAUMA ASSOCIATION INC (ASATA)

1. NAME

The name of the Association shall be Australasian Stress and Trauma Association (ASATA) Incorporated (ASATA Inc) hereafter in this constitution referred to as "the Association". The Association is and will remain an Incorporated Association under the Incorporation Act 1981 (Vic).

2. MISSION STATEMENT

To promote education, information and support for organisations, and individuals involved in the provision of services in stress and trauma management. This education and support is to be provided without discrimination with the aim of promoting the pursuit of excellence in stress and trauma management.

3. METHOD

The mission of the Association is to be pursued by means of the following methods:

(a) Identification, implementation and maintenance of standards of excellence in the practice and training of stress and trauma management;

(b) Provision of training, education and consultation in stress and trauma management;

(d) Regular communication, a national conference and relevant publications;

(e) Networks of communication and liaison with appropriate bodies at State, Territory, national and International levels;

(f) Such other method or methods as may from time to time commend themselves to the Executive Committee of the Association, where such methods are consistent with the mission statement of the Association and the methods listed above.