Firefighting TRAUMA
About this Event
This STAGE28 workshop is unique. It will show how the team- and action-oriented mindset of a first responder can enhance recovery from trauma and then sow the seeds of posttraumatic growth.
WHAT IF WE'VE FORGOTTEN SOMETHING IMPORTANT ABOUT TRAUMA?
British medical officers (e.g., Myers, Eder) minimised shellshock cases with decisive, early action. What that implies for trauma today is that delay threatens recovery. As delay sits uncomfortably in the first responders’ mindset it may explain why urgency and discipline have enhanced the impact of trauma techniques, even in large-scale disasters. Dr Durkin acknowledges the wisdom of Leonardo da Vinci to:
‘Learn the science, then practise the art.’
This 2-day STAGE28 workshop will bring that wisdom to Perth.
Day 1. Learn the science.
The philosophy that sits behind any scientific project lies in two statements when we say:
i) WHAT we know, and
ii) HOW we know it.
Those statements will recur throughout the day to ensure we are all speaking logically, with clarity and on the agreement that reality is the true test of our claims.
Day 2. Practise the art.
Theory is only as valuable as its application. Most educational systems put information into us from the outside and has to be taken on trust. This is called ‘top-down’ information. The other form is ‘bottom-up’ information as it lies within us and accumulates from experience. Day 1 is ‘top down’ and Day 2 will be ‘bottom up’ with a series of exercises and practice sessions to test ourselves and our beliefs about what really works, and why.
STAGE28 is an acronym for:
Stress → Trauma → Assessment → Growth → Evaluation → all in 28 days.
The workshop will be delivered by Dr John Durkin, firefighter-turned-psychologist and then researcher in posttraumatic growth. His approach has been shaped by operational experience, psychological research and involvement in critical-incident responses involving firefighters and police after major disasters and traumatic incidents.
This is not simply a workshop about trauma.
It is an invitation to think differently, act sooner and increase your practical capacity.
Trauma is one of the most tenacious psychosocial hazards facing frontline personnel, leaders and organisations. Yet, when a critical incident occurs, leaders and managers find themselves caught between wanting to protect their people and not knowing which actions will actually help.
The workshop will show what can be done after a critical incident with examples of how emotional reactions were resolved before they became entrenched.
STAGE28 takes a scientific approach.
Drawing on the urgency, discipline and prevention priorities common to first responders, this two-day workshop combines science, practical education and hands-on skill development to explore what can be done in the critical period following a traumatic event — and how organisations can move from simply managing psychological injury to actively facilitating recovery and growth.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION / WARNING
Psychological trauma is the subject matter of the day, and so could trigger some unwanted emotions. Although psychological support will be available for anyone reacting to the material, the session is primarily educational and not therapeutic. If an attendee is concerned, or might be triggered by discussions of trauma, we recommend they secure a trusted contact for personal support afterwards.
Includes: Certificate of Attendance
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
DAY 1 - Registration and refreshment
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Session 1
Info: Philosophies of trauma / Asylums and workplaces
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Session 2
Info: They cured shellshock… / Theories and research
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Lunch & Listening
🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Session 3
Info: Legal precedents and psychiatry / Scientific defences
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Session 4
Info: Summarise and prepare / Message from the Stoics
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
End - Debrief and networking
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
DAY 2 - Welcome back & refreshments
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Session 1
Info: Communication breakdown / Desire, intention and completion
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Session 2
Info: Techniques for: Pain; bodies; abilities
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Lunch & Listen
🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Session 3
Info: Techniques: Accumulated stress; criticism; perfection
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Session 4
Info: A new paradigm: posttraumatic growth
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
End - Debrief and networking
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
AUD 1155.55
