Crisis Center

How societies and individuals deal with disaster

John A. Call, Ph.D., J.D., A.B.P.P. is a forensic psychologist, an attorney, and president of Crisis Management Consultants, Inc. For more information visit crisisinc.com See full bio

August 26, 2008, Resilience

Comments on "The Role of a Psychologist at a Disaster Site"

The Role of a Psychologist at a Disaster Site

By John A. Call, Ph.D., J.D., A.B.P.P. on August 26, 2008 in Crisis Center

When a disaster happens, disaster sites are set up to assist people with their immediate needs. Psychologists go to these sites to assist people with their emotional needs-to provide Psychological First Aid. They provide help by talking to people and answering questions they may have about their situation. They may also help people understand their emotions and reassure them that their emotions are normal. Specifically, what do psychologists do when they offer support at a disaster site? Here are a few duties they may fulfill:

I was a lifeguard last year,

Submitted by A. Boettigheimer on November 1, 2008 - 8:17am.

I was a lifeguard last year, and a little boy nearly drowned in my section. There were only 2 lifeguards watching the pool and we had to stand and lifeguard the whole time. I was told by the head lifeguard at the time that she would put in a good word for me. It never happened. I was fired. People didn't and still don't understand what it is like to see a little child nearly die.