THE ACADEMY'S TRAUMATIC STRESS BOOKSTORE
PUBLICATIONS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF EXPERTS IN TRAUMATIC
STRESS
368 VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY ° COMMACK, NEW
YORK 11725
ACUTE TRAUMATIC STRESS MANAGEMENT
A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO
KEEP PEOPLE FUNCTIONING DURING
TRAUMATIC EVENTS AND TO MITIGATE LONG-TERM SUFFERING
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Much has been written about crisis intervention — "psychological first-aid" introduced
in the aftermath of a tragedy. Notwithstanding, there is little information offering practical strategies to help
people during a traumatic event. This is a time when individuals are perhaps most suggestible and vulnerable to
traumatic stress — a tremendous opportunity for intervention. Acute Traumatic Stress Management (ATSM) is a pragmatic process that was developed to address the emergent psychological needs of individuals who are exposed to traumatic events. The implementation of ATSM, along with traditional emergency medical intervention, offers a comprehensive response strategy to meet the needs of the "whole person." By reaching people early, during traumatic exposure, we may ultimately prevent acute traumatic stress reactions from becoming chronic stress disorders. ATSM offers "practical tools" for addressing the wide spectrum of traumatic experiences — from mild to the most severe. It is a goal-directed process delivered within the framework of a facilitative or helping attitudinal climate. ATSM aims to "jump-start" an individual's coping and problem-solving abilities. It seeks to stabilize acute symptoms of traumatic stress and stimulate healthy, adaptive functioning. Finally, ATSM may increase the likelihood of an individual pursuing mental health intervention, if need be, in the future. |
