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Seminar PSYCH9.1: The Aftermath of Mass Casualty Events: The Psychological Impact and Response

Sunday 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Room: 210

Mass-casualty events are unlike any other critical incidents and need to be responded to in a significantly different way. Mass-casualty events are beyond the norm in terms of both their medical and psychological footprints, not only on law enforcement agencies but on all elements of the community. Mass-casualty events often overwhelm the normal resiliency and resources of law enforcement agencies and their communities, due to the horror and tragedy of these unspeakable acts. This presentation will discuss the significant psychological impact that mass casualty events have on law enforcement personnel. It will present the psychological responses and interventions that can help serve to mitigate the negative long-term psychological effects of these incidents on the individual officer as well as the agency as a whole. The presenters are psychologists who have experience working with law enforcement agencies, and who have provided services to agencies in the aftermath of multiple mass casualty events, including terrorist attacks, the Sandy Hook tragedy, and the Las Vegas shooting. In addition to presenting what services were provided during these events, this presentation will highlight the lessons learned from these incidents and provide recommendations for the future in terms of best practices for dealing with a mass casualty event, both before and after the event.

SPEAKERS

Mark J. Kirschner, Ph.D., ABPP, Chief Operating Officer, Behavioral Health Consultants, LLC, Hamden, CT; Nancy Bohl-Penrod, Ph.D., Director, The Counseling Team International, San Bernardino, CA