JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
What if a traumatic event such as a large-scale aircraft mishap, death or natural disaster occurred? Do you know what resources are available? Along with base safety, security forces and readiness, there exists a team comprised of chaplains, mental health personnel and Airmen and Family Readiness Center (AFRC) members called the Traumatic Stress Response (TSR) Team.
The TSR team members serve as trauma consultants to unit leaders across Andrews in accordance with AFI 44-153. The installation and wing commanders of Joint Base Andrews can activate the TSR team in support of local response operations in the event of a disaster or large scale traumatic events.
What is the purpose of the TSR team? The team comprised of two chaplains, two mental health providers and AFRC members provide training to base personnel having potential exposure to traumatic events and education to those already exposed to traumatic events. The TSR team provides education on the human nervous system (fight or flight response), stress management, and unit and personal resilience.
"It is assuring that others know we are prepared," said Shelly Walker, AFRC consultant .
The TSR team is able to provide four individual sessions without any documentation at a convenient location to our military and civilian members.
"Four individual sessions is the best part of TSR. It allows mental health providers to act in the same way chaplains can for those affected by a traumatic event; no notes, no records, no notification to command unless there is intent expressed to harm yourself or others," said Capt. Denise Martin-Zona, a clinical psychologist with the 779th Medical Group.
After a traumatic experience, a number of physical and/or mental changes may occur; for example, a person's sleep, thoughts, social interactions and concentration may be interrupted by intrusive thoughts of the trauma or event experienced. Along with these changes, a person might increase caffeine, nicotine or alcohol use. These changes are normal reactions to abnormal events. If symptoms persist or become a safety concern please seek help. Part of the TSR team's role is to educate individuals about these potential reactions to trauma.
One goal of TSR education is to emphasize the return of normal functioning after exposure to an abnormal event. TSR team members guide those impacted by an event to return to pre-event functioning; in other words, we foster resilience. If symptoms persist beyond a couple of weeks, individuals should feel free to contact any of the TSR team members.
"Individuals or clients can be assured of absolute confidentiality when talking with a chaplain," stated Capt. Rachel David, 11th Wing Chaplain.
The duty chaplain can be reached at 301-981-5058, mental health personnel 240-857-7186 and AFRC 301-981-7087. To schedule a pre-exposure preparation brief or for any assistance, comments or questions, please contact Capt. Denise Martin-Zona or SSgt Brad Smith at 240-857-7186.