What Every Patroller Needs To Know About Critical Incident Stress

“The health of the patroller IS the health of the patrol.” ~ Jesse I. Remmey, Senior Alpine Patroller, OEC T/E, Bolton Valley, NVT Region
Ski Patrollers have a high likelihood of being involved in an on-the-hill critical incident (an event that triggers an unusual reaction for you). It is important to know that any reaction, (including no reaction at all), is NORMAL. We refer to post-event after-shocks as “stress reactions.”

Stress reactions take many forms (see below), can be quite variable and may:
  • Occur immediately after, days and even months later, and in rare occasions years afterwards;
  • Be short-lived or last up to a few weeks;
  • Vary in intensity from simply bothersome to significantly worrisome;
  • And importantly, can be triggered by seemingly routine rescues.

​With family and especially peer support, stress reactions resolve more quickly. Being aware that you may have after-shocks better prepares you to deal with them.

​Some common reactions associated with involvement in a critical incident include:
Physical Stress Reactions
Excessive fatigue Muscle tremors Dizziness
Nausea / vomiting Difficulty breathing* G-I distress
Diarrea / constipation Sweating / chills Headache
Appetite disturbance Sexual dysfunction Chest pain*
Substance abuse / self-medicating Sleep disturbance Fast heartbeat
* = See a doctor immediately if you experience this reaction!
Emotional Stress Reactions
Irritability / emotional outbursts Anxiety / fear Grief/sorrow
Remoteness / numbness Startle reactions Guilt
Anger / rage / frustration Disillusionment Moodiness
Intrusive thoughts / visions Avoiding Others Resentment
Sense of emptiness Hopelessness Aloneness
Helplessness / depression Nightmares Restlessness
Loss of faith that there is order and continuity in life activities Decreased interest in previously enjoyed
Cognitive Stress Reactions
Memory impairment Anomia (word loss) Irrational blaming
Difficulty with decisions Difficulty concentrating Mental confusion
Difficulty with problem solving    
Remember, these are normal reactions to experiencing a critical incident.
Self-assessment and action steps are indicated whenever you have been involved in a critical incident or are experiencing stress reactions.  Use the Stress Injury Continuum Model wallet card to assess your level of stress reaction.

(Most people will find themselves in the Yellow with relatively mild and short-lived signs and symptoms.)

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to promote recovery:

  • ​​Physical exercise alternated with relaxation will alleviate some reactions.
  • Rest and relaxation.
  • Keep a journal, writing your way to resume your regular sleep schedule.
  • Structure your time to return to your usual daily schedule and routine.
  • Talk to family, friends and patrol peers.  Tell them about the nature of your stress reactions so that they may better understand and help you.  Remember that other people care about you.  Share this information with them.
  • Do things that make you feel good and are good for you.
  • Eat well-balanced and regular meals, even if you don’t feel like it.
  • Be active and engaged.  Don’t withdraw or isolate yourself from others.

There are also things you should not do:

  • Don’t judge yourself.  You are a normal person having normal reactions to an abnormal event.
  • Don’t use alcohol or other substances or excessive gaming to distract or numb yourself.
  • Don’t make any major life decisions or big changes.

If the signs and symptoms described above are severe or last longer than a month, reach out to your healthcare provider or behavioral health professional.​To find Critical Incident Stress Management resources in your area - click here
“An abnormal reaction to an abnormal situation is normal behavior.” ~ Viktor Frankl
Copyright © 2021 Patroller Stress Awareness Team (PSAT)