Public Safety Standard Operating Procedures

PSS 13.3 Member Welfare – Critical Incidents

Purpose

To outline SLSNSW’s approach to member welfare following a critical incident.

Policy

The environment in which surf lifesaving operates has the potential for members to be involved in incidents of a traumatic nature. Such incidents could include the loss of life, the provision of emergency care, search and rescue operations, or a serious incident involving fellow members. SLSNSW has implemented a strong framework of support to ensure that members are cared for and receive appropriate support.

Members are affected differently by incidents, and it is the reaction of the individual which makes the incident critical for that person, not necessarily the size or nature of the incident. SLSNSW is committed to lessening the impact of critical incident stress on members, staff and their families by providing best practice support following an incident.

Procedure

The following procedure should be read in conjunction with the SLSNSW Critical Incident Management Support Procedures which provides further background, context and support for its implementation (including details of what a Group Briefing Session and wellfare check entails).

  1. The Duty Officer and State Duty Officer determine the support required for member welfare.
  2. When the response to the incident has concluded, the Duty Officer (or appropriately trained Branch Representative) delivers the Group Briefing Session and conducts a well check where possible. The Operational Debrief often takes place at this time.
  3. As part of the Group Briefing Session, members involved in the critical incident are advised that they will be contacted for a well check as part of standard procedures.
  4. Within 12 hours, Duty Officer completes Critical Incident Log, compiling a list of members directly and indirectly involved in the incident.
  5. Within 24 hours the State Duty Officer forwards the members’ details to the SLSNSW Member Welfare Officer.
  6. Within 48 hours, SLSNSW Member Welfare Officer:
    1. Sends members’ details to SLSNSW’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider.
    2. Sends each member post-incident support information via email.
    3. Conducts a well check if this was not completed by either the Duty Officer or an appointed Branch Representative.
  7. Two further well checks will be conducted – one at approximately one-week post-incident and one at approximately one-month post-incident. These will be conducted by either SLSNSW Member Welfare Officer or a branch-based State Welfare Officer, depending on local arrangements.

Referrals

Referrals can be made to professional psychological support at any stage of the process. Referrals can be made by the Member Welfare Manager to the SLSNSW Employee Assistance Program, or via the individual member’s GP.

Major Incident Support

Throughout the season, major critical incidents may occur which require swift professional support over and above the process outlined above. In these instances, the SLSNSW Membership Manager and/or the SLSNSW Senior Leadership Team will work directly with the Club or Branch to activate additional support.

Additional Support

Some clubs and branches have additional support people or networks in place who can be contacted for support outside of the SLSNSW Critical Incident Support process. These include chaplains and peer support networks.

Reference

SLSNSW Critical Incident Management Support Protocols

Last modified: 27/07/23