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Definition of a Critical Incident

The definition of a "Critical Incident" varies for each organization. However, industry standards define it as:

Any unforeseen accident, violence, or threat that an individual witnesses that has resulted or could result in that person suffering extreme mental anguish.
Any incident that will likely result in those involved experiencing significant emotional disturbance, including post-traumatic stress.
An employee has a heart attack in the break room.
An accident injuries or kills workers.
A staff member commits suicide.
A disgruntled ex-employee holds staff hostage.
Violent threats occur during down-sizing.

Critical Incidents:

Are sudden and unexpected
Disrupt our sense of control
Disrupt beliefs, values, and basic assumptions about the world in which we live, the people in it, and the work that we do
Involve the perception of a life damaging threat
May involve emotional or physical loss

Tragedies happen, they are often sudden. Many organizations are not prepared to deal with the emotional impact on the people involved. When an unusual event happens to normal people, it can affect their ability to do their jobs. The result can ultimately mean lost production, resignations, litigation exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder. To mitigate the impact, employees can benefit by crisis intervention strategies to assist them in coping with the trauma.