We have discussed this topic many times with our newer customers and customers that have been fortunate enough to only use this EAP service very rarely. We do not mean that we are not available for consultation during or soon after a critical incident has occurred. We are, and our rapid involvement in any incident is highly preferred. The time duration is clinically required. When a critical incident occurs the first reaction in human beings is shock.
Shock can be either physical or psychological in nature, though it is frequently a mixture of both.
After this initial response, the brain begins to assimilate a traumatic event, or incorporate a distressing event into an individual's existing perception of the world. This is when we can assist those directly involved in such an event, and clinically the best time for our services. This is another question that we often discuss with both corporate and individual customers. It may also be helpful to refer to your provided EAP Company Protocol Handbook for review. If your handbook is unavailable please e-mail us for another copy.