Crisis Intervention

Course Number:
EMS 115
Transcript Title:
Crisis Intervention
Created:
Aug 10, 2022
Updated:
Aug 17, 2022
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture / Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
No
Grading Options
A-F, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0
Prerequisites

IRW 115 or WR 115 or equivalent placement 

Course Description

Prepares the EMT to better understand an emotional crisis and the causes of stress. Explores how to assist others as well as themselves in dealing with stress during a crisis. Prerequisites: IRW 115 or WR 115 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of crisis intervention and the procedures for effective intervention.
  • Communicate effectively with individuals in crisis.
  • Identify differing reactions to crisis within different age groups, families and types of disasters.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of how grief, loss and change impact the crisis.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the legal implications of crisis intervention.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The methods of assessment may include one or more of the following tools: examination, quizzes, papers/homework assignments, discussion forums, small group problem solving of questions arising from application of course concepts and concerns to actual experience, short individually written projects and role playing.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Demonstrate an understanding of crisis intervention and the procedures for effective intervention. 
  • Know the emotional, cognitive and behavioral signs and symptoms to psychological reactions to crisis
  • Development a logical and orderly procedure before intervening
  • Rapid assessment of the immediate situation surrounding the crisis
Outcome #2: Communicate effectively with individuals in crisis.
  • Identify and address the immediate or most damaging concerns in situation
  • Messages within communications
  • Communication techniques and distortion
  • Effective listening skills
  • Being aware of mistaken assumptions
  • Understand the appropriate use of team intervention and the role of team members
  • Taking safety procedures seriously
  • Being able to identify people at risk for violent behavior
Outcome #3: Identify differing reactions to crisis within different age groups, families and types of disasters.
  • Typical reactions of normal children in each age group
  • Guidelines and procedures for secondary victims
  • Preparation to respond to a disaster
  • Effective disaster communication skills
Outcome #4: Demonstrate knowledge of how grief, loss and change impact the crisis.
  • Look for the grief component in the crisis
  • Intensity of emotions experienced with a loss
  • Victims’ perception vs reality
  • Feelings associated with death and dying
Outcome #5: Demonstrate knowledge of the legal implications of crisis intervention.
  • Consent and refusal of care
  • Confidentiality
  • Advance directives
  • Tort and criminal actions
  • Evidence preservation
  • Mandatory reporting
  • Patient rights and advocacy

Suggested Texts and Materials

The elements of crisis intervention by James L. Greenstone  and Sharon C. Leviton, ISBN-13: 978-0495007814; ISBN-10: 0495007811

Department Notes

The course aligns with the current National EMS Education Standards.