HEALTH & WELLNESS
Critical Incident Support
Some calls stay with you. Critical incident support exists to help frontline workers process difficult experiences before they compound into something harder to carry. This page explains what critical incident processing is, when to use it, and how to request support in northeast Colorado.
What Is Critical Incident Processing?
Critical incident processing is a structured approach to supporting people after they have experienced a traumatic or highly stressful event at work. It is used widely in emergency services, public safety, and healthcare settings.
It is not therapy. It is a short-term, peer-based process designed to normalize reactions to abnormal events, reduce the risk of longer-term stress injuries, and connect people to professional resources if needed. It is facilitated by trained peers working alongside mental health professionals.
Critical incident processing can be delivered one-on-one or in a group setting. It is voluntary, confidential, and most effective when it happens within a few days of a significant incident.
Initial Check-In
A brief, informal conversation held shortly after an incident, often within hours. It gives crew members space to decompress, share initial reactions, and get basic information about common stress responses before going home.
Group Processing
A structured group conversation facilitated by trained personnel, typically held one to three days after an incident. It helps participants work through the event together, understand common reactions, and identify support options.
Individual Support
One-on-one support from a trained peer or mental health professional. Used for individuals who are not ready for a group process or who need additional support beyond the initial response.
Follow-Up
Support does not end with a single session. Follow-up contact, referral to professional services, and ongoing peer check-ins are part of a complete response, particularly after complex or prolonged incidents.
When to Request Support
Not every difficult call requires a formal response. But some incidents carry a weight that crews should not carry alone. Common situations where processing support is appropriate:
Death of a child or infant
Death or serious injury of a coworker or colleague
Mass casualty incidents or prolonged rescue operations
Suicide of a patient, coworker, or community member known to the crew
Incidents with significant media attention or community impact
Any incident where crew members are visibly distressed or having difficulty returning to normal function
Regional Resources
NCRETAC’s Health and Wellness Committee is actively mapping critical incident support resources across the nine-county region and identifying gaps in coverage. The goal is to ensure that any agency in the region can access a trained response within a reasonable timeframe after a significant incident, regardless of county or discipline.
If your agency needs support now and you are not sure where to start, contact NCRETAC. We will help connect you to the nearest available resource while regional coordination continues to develop.
How to Request Support
Requests can come from agency leadership, supervisors, or individual providers. You do not need to wait for your agency to initiate a request. Anyone can reach out.
1
Contact NCRETAC
Reach out by email or phone. Briefly describe the incident and what support is needed. You do not need to have all the details. We will help from there.
2
We Coordinate
NCRETAC will connect you with available support resources in the region. Timing, format, and who participates will be discussed with your agency.
3
Support Is Delivered
A trained support team responds at a time and location that works for your crew. Participation is voluntary and confidential.
4
Follow-Up
Support does not end with one session. Follow-up contact and referrals to professional support are part of the process for anyone who needs more.
For Agency Leaders
Agency leaders play a significant role in whether crew members access support after difficult incidents. A few things that make a real difference:
Normalize the Conversation
Talk openly about mental health as part of crew culture. Asking for support should be routine, not exceptional.
Review Your Agency’s Policies
Do your current policies make it easier or harder for providers to access mental health support? Consider whether changes are needed.
Know Your EAP
Make sure all staff know what Employee Assistance Program resources are available to them and how to access them without stigma or barriers.
Contact NCRETAC
Reach out to discuss regional coordination opportunities and what NCRETAC can help your agency develop around peer support and incident response.
Request Support
To request critical incident support for your crew or agency, contact NCRETAC directly. We will help coordinate the appropriate response as quickly as possible.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (970) 580-2668
If you need support right now
Call or text 988 anytime. Safe Call Now: 1-206-459-3020. Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-8255. Full resources at Health & Wellness Resources.
Related: Health & Wellness | Peer Support Team | Resources | Committees