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ARCHIVED - Pandemic Influenza Reference Guide for Federal Human Resources Advisors


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Appendix A – Emergency Response/Stress Management

Preamble

A situation such as an influenza pandemic will expose personnel to unusual or extreme emotional reactions that could interfere with their ability to function normally during and/or after the situation.

One key way managers can help minimize the level of stress is through open and transparent communication with employees, emphasizing the most current public health advice.

Reactions to stress are perfectly normal, but not everyone experiences stress in the same way. There are variables that affect all of us, such as our support systems, our emotional makeup and our thoughts about the situation, as well as our actions during and after a critical incident and the extent to which the event reminds us of some personal issue.

Personnel may, on short notice, be required to coordinate or manage personal, family-related and professional activities or commitments; prepare for an emergency assignment; work long, variable hours; meet strict deadlines; lodge in hotels; have irregular meals and rest periods; be unable to maintain regular communication with family members (due to work requirements); and make sensitive decisions of an economic and/or operational nature. All of these variables may lead to excessive or cumulative stress.

Emergency responders and all those involved in providing services during the pandemic outbreak need to be made aware of their limits and boundaries, and how to care for themselves during and after operations.

Signs and Symptoms Relating to Stress

The following are some stress-related signs and symptoms:

  • nausea, dizziness, confusion
  • difficulty making decisions
  • difficulty concentrating
  • frustration, anxiety, irritability
  • sleep disturbances
  • general fatigue
  • crying
  • headaches
  • sense of feeling overwhelmed
  • apathy
  • loss of appetite
  • increase in the intake of alcohol or in smoking
  • frequent interpersonal conflict
  • short-term memory difficulties
  • shortened attention span
  • tension; or
  • negative feelings, such as profound sadness or helplessness

Stress Management Techniques

The following are some stress management techniques:

  • establish a comfort zone and respect it;
  • identify and respect personal limitations to prevent burnout;
  • ensure good food intake to sustain your energy and well-being;
  • ensure rest periods and exercise;
  • maintain a positive attitude;
  • try to avoid excessive caffeine intake;
  • maintain regular family contact;
  • share your concerns, thoughts, and feelings with someone you trust; or

Contact your departmental or agency Employee Assistance Program should you require more information.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The availability of the EAP service should be considered in BCPs. EAP services, during and after the emergency, will help individuals adversely affected by the emergency to better manage stress and reduce or eliminate its negative impact on their personal and professional lives.

EAP services are available 24 hours, 7 days a week, and counselling-related information is kept confidential between the service requester and the EAP service provider.

Departments are free to contract with outside service providers to inquire about the capacity of these organizations to provide services. If they have concerns about this, then they should identify possible back-up scenarios.

Appendix B – References

Here are links to documents or organizations mentioned in this guide, as well as other links of interest:



Date Modified: 2009-10-06
 
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