Communication and Crisis Paper
COMMUNICATION AND CRISIS PAPER
Bobbi Simkins
HCS/350
APRIL 8, 2013
PATRICE ROSS
COMMUNICATION AND CRISIS PAPER
“A crisis occurs when a stressful life event overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope effectively in the face of a perceived challenge or threat” (Arnold & Boggs, 2011, pg. 415). When people are in a crisis situation they tend to forget their normal coping measures. When people train on crisis situations, they tend to perform better during a crisis event. “A favorable outcome depends on the person’s interpretation of the crisis, perception of coping ability, resources, and level of social support” (Arnold & Boggs, 2011, pg. 416).
Community dynamics differs in times of crisis, mass trauma, and disaster. “A disaster is defined as a calamitous even of slow or rapid onset that results in large-scale physical destruction of property, social infrastructure, and human life” (Arnold & Boggs, 2011, pg. 429). Hospitals participate in disasters including crisis, and mass trauma with the help of The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). When disaster strikes it changes the normal function of the community. People in the community are confused and unsure what is happening and what they need to do. Each person in the community will react differently to the same situation. People that work more closely with the crisis will be most affected. For example Fire Men and women, Police officers, Emergency medical teams, and Health care professionals. “The community response to disaster characteristically consists of four phases, The Heroic Phase, The Honeymoon phase, The Disillusionment phase, and the Reconstruction phase” (Arnold & Boggs, 2011, pg. 432). The Joint Commission (2003) requires all hospitals to develop and exercise disaster management plans at regular intervals.
“Stress is an elevation in a person’s state of arousal or readiness, caused by some stimulus or demand” (US Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse
Bobbi Simkins
HCS/350
APRIL 8, 2013
PATRICE ROSS
COMMUNICATION AND CRISIS PAPER
“A crisis occurs when a stressful life event overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope effectively in the face of a perceived challenge or threat” (Arnold & Boggs, 2011, pg. 415). When people are in a crisis situation they tend to forget their normal coping measures. When people train on crisis situations, they tend to perform better during a crisis event. “A favorable outcome depends on the person’s interpretation of the crisis, perception of coping ability, resources, and level of social support” (Arnold & Boggs, 2011, pg. 416).
Community dynamics differs in times of crisis, mass trauma, and disaster. “A disaster is defined as a calamitous even of slow or rapid onset that results in large-scale physical destruction of property, social infrastructure, and human life” (Arnold & Boggs, 2011, pg. 429). Hospitals participate in disasters including crisis, and mass trauma with the help of The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). When disaster strikes it changes the normal function of the community. People in the community are confused and unsure what is happening and what they need to do. Each person in the community will react differently to the same situation. People that work more closely with the crisis will be most affected. For example Fire Men and women, Police officers, Emergency medical teams, and Health care professionals. “The community response to disaster characteristically consists of four phases, The Heroic Phase, The Honeymoon phase, The Disillusionment phase, and the Reconstruction phase” (Arnold & Boggs, 2011, pg. 432). The Joint Commission (2003) requires all hospitals to develop and exercise disaster management plans at regular intervals.
“Stress is an elevation in a person’s state of arousal or readiness, caused by some stimulus or demand” (US Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse
References: Arnold, E. C., & Boggs, K. U. (2011). Interpersonal Relationships: Professional Communication Skills for Nurses (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders. The Community Tool Box. (2013). Handling Crises in Communication. Retrieved from http://www.ctb.ku.edu/en/tablecontents/sub_section US Department of Health ad Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services administration. (nd). A Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response Professions. Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov