Crisis teams are often called on to provide services before they have completed their training. Because the Critical Incident Response Team is such a diverse group, unified training is essential. We found that local fire and police departments already conducted much of the necessary training. Taking advantage of the city's training was the first step in coordinating city departments with our school district team. The training gives team members a common language to use when working with city officials, as well as an understanding of crisis containment and recovery procedures.
Training includes simulations of actual crisis situations.
For example, we played out one scenario in which a disturbed person took a classroom of students hostage. We also give members of our crisis counseling teams an opportunity to update and expand their skills in dealing with death, grief, and recovery. Finally, we distribute a packet of handouts to teachers and other staff members. These booklets include tips on how to talk with students about death and the grief process and suggest classroom activities to help students through a grieving period. In the aftermath of each crisis, we critique the responses of the district and school counseling team.