Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Purpose
This module provides a greater understanding of trauma, the adverse effects that traumatic stress can have on a person, and how traumatic stress can manifest differently in different people. Specific emphasis will be given to understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), its signs and symptoms, as well as intervention strategies for responding when someone experiencing traumatic stress or someone with PTSD may be experiencing a crisis.
Instructor
This module should be taught by a subject matter expert along with support from a law enforcement co-instructor who has experience in crisis response. The subject matter expert should have a good understanding of how trauma and traumatic stress can affect various populations, including those with behavioral health conditions and IDD.
Time 65 minutes
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this module, participants should be able to: ​
Define trauma;
Describe the prevalence of trauma;
Explain the adverse effects traumatic stress can have on a person in the short- and long-term;
Define PTSD;
Describe traumatic stress reactions/symptoms and how they may appear to an officer on-scene; and
Describe approaches that law enforcement officers can use when interacting with someone demonstrating traumatic stress symptoms.
Materials
Trainer’s Guide
PowerPoint Presentation