Pope Field Traumatic Stress Response Team on standby 24 hours a day

By Tech. Sgt. Lorraine Bussart
43rd MED Sqdn. PAO

April 14, 2011

An assignment at Pope Field can be both “challenging and very rewarding”. The area offers a great deal of opportunities for fun and relaxation with friends and Family, from downtown dining and shopping, to arts and cultural events, and the mountains or the ocean within driving distance.

On the other hand (especially with recent events this winter and in Japan) we are all too aware of the potential of hazardous weather disasters, including flooding and damage from hurricanes. We are also aware, as with any large city, of issues with violence and accidents that are likely to occur in this area. Many might not know where to turn to if disaster should strike at Pope Field.

The Traumatic Stress Response Team at Pope Field is on standby 24 hours a day and ready to assist the Pope Field community in the event that mass violence, disaster, or any other potentially traumatic events should occur. Members of the team include mental health/crisis counselors, chaplains and community readiness service personnel.

Through exercise and training, TSRT members are prepared to implement a variety of key components when disaster strikes home. TSRT services include ensuring basic needs are met for Families, providing psychological first aid, screening and referral for additional mental health assistance, distributing situation-specific information and education, as well as recovery monitoring. Airmen can also receive up to four, one-on-one sessions without opening a mental health record or without any form of documentation. While we hope that nothing traumatic will ever happen to us or our loved ones, if something does happen, the TSRT is here to help.
Commanders can access the TSRT through the Command Post 24 hours a day for consultation to determine what is needed for specific situations. For more information, call the Mental Health Clinic at 394-4700.

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