Coping with Trauma After a Critical Incident

• Officers who have attended a traumatic or critical incident
• Those experiencing persistent intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or avoidance after an incident
• Supervisors supporting a team member after a critical event
• Family members who want to understand what their officer is going through

1. 1

   Understand that initial reactions are normal

   In the days and weeks following a traumatic event, it is normal to experience: intrusive thoughts or images, disturbed sleep, heightened alertness, emotional numbing or irritability, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like nausea or trembling. These are natural stress responses — not signs you are broken or unfit for duty.

2. 2

   Access TRiM if available in your force

   Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) is a peer-led assessment process used by many UK forces. A trained TRiM practitioner — usually a colleague — conducts a structured conversation within 72 hours of an incident, and again at 28 days, to identify those who may need additional support. Ask your sergeant or welfare lead if your force uses TRiM. It is not a counselling session but a risk screen.

3. 3

   Tell someone you trust

   Isolation makes trauma worse. Tell your line manager or a trusted colleague how you are feeling — even briefly. Most forces have welfare contacts or peer supporters. You do not need to provide details of the incident itself; saying "I am struggling after the job on Monday" is enough to open a door.

4. 4

   Self-refer to Occupational Health

   If symptoms persist beyond four weeks, become intrusive, or are significantly affecting your function at work or home, self-refer to OH. They can assess you, signpost you to counselling, and refer for specialist trauma-focused therapy (such as EMDR or trauma-focused CBT) if needed.

5. 5

   Know the difference between normal reactions and PTSD

   Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a clinical condition diagnosed when symptoms persist beyond one month and significantly impair daily functioning. Core features are: persistent intrusive re-experiencing (flashbacks, nightmares), persistent avoidance of reminders, negative changes in mood and thinking, and persistent hyperarousal (exaggerated startle, poor sleep, hypervigilance). If this describes your experience, seek a clinical assessment — effective treatments exist.

6. 6

   Support your family

   Trauma ripples outward. Partners and children may notice changes in your behaviour without understanding why. Consider telling your partner enough that they understand you are going through a difficult period — you do not need to describe the incident in detail. Police Care UK provides family support as well as officer support.

• Normalising or minimising your reaction — "I have seen worse" is not a treatment plan
• Using alcohol to manage intrusive thoughts or poor sleep
• Avoiding all reminders of the incident, which can entrench avoidance and worsen PTSD
• Waiting months before seeking help — early intervention produces better outcomes
• Keeping your family entirely in the dark, leading to relationship strain

Seek urgent help if you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or if symptoms are preventing you from functioning. Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7), text BLUELIGHT to 85258 (Blue Light Programme, 24/7), or call 999. Never face a crisis alone.