What Should I Do after a Disaster (Soft Assistance, Part 3)
This is the last of three articles on Soft Assistance. The following points are important to complete after the visitations:
List any Points of Contact (P.O.C.s)
Debriefing Responders
Examining Own Psychological Concerns
Follow-up Email or Call
Submit or Post Photos and/or an Article
List any Points of Contact (P.O.C.s)
While administering soft assistance at a site, it is important to also identify what resources the Points of Contact (P.O.C.) represent (such as shelter manager, clergy, relief organizations, community leaders). Acquiring full contact information allows any future coordination for other events in fundraising or assisting in community outreach by offering to come back and continue to give soft assistance or comic relief through entertainment. Future RNR activities may actually be suggested by these individuals, and you want to know how to contact them and what the frame of reference is. It should never be used however to self-promote. It is important to wear an RNR label prominently by either wearing a vest or hat, or simple business cards that connect you with RNR. Those in an affected community need to know you are a Red Nose Responder. One of the "team or buddy" responders can volunteer to take the lead by sending written "thank you" notes to the P.O.C.s for whatever help, advice, or guidance they gave. Let them know you can be of help in the future, knowing that situations change rapidly as recovery proceeds. (Keep in mind that RNR does not "deploy" resources but may help coordinate efforts.)
Debriefing Responders
Get together with team responders to share stories, insights, anxieties, experiences, etc., learned from the visitation. This is imperative and may need to be done a couple of times after visitation(s). All responders approach these disaster areas with anxieties; it's "okay" to express them before, during, and after responding. This is a time to discuss emotions as well. Sharing any experiences that were not anticipated is important, too. Lessons learned are what we would like our RNR responders to share with the board and all of RNR. You may find that there are RNR responders from different areas or were there in other capacities (nursing, first responders, Red Cross workers/volunteers). It may be difficult to physically meet each responder but perhaps a "buddy system" would work better.
Examining Own Psychological Concerns
Sometimes, psychological effects can create an overwhelming feeling at the scene or it might not surface immediately but could eventually become a concern for you. If you find during the course of visitation that you need a break or respite due to what you have seen or heard or felt, stop and seek a quiet place (restroom, your vehicle, etc.) to emote and regroup. If you find that you are suffering from after effects of administering soft assistance or coming in contact with those affected by a disaster, you might find it necessary to speak with someone. Oftentimes, talking to others (another responder or friend) might just help you sort things out and feel better. However, if you find that it continues to upset you, take the time to speak to a medical professional in the mental health field or see a religious advisor. You can also contact your American Red Cross chapter and ask if they can recommend a local mental health counselor. If you are a Red Cross volunteer you could probably take advantage of their mental health care program. All of us act differently in stressful situations. Mental health can sometimes be stressed to a point that you may not understand why or what is underlying, including your own reactions. Sometimes, it could be from a past experience that escalates to a larger hidden concern.
Follow-up Email or Call
As RNR responders, a follow-up e-mail or call as soon after the event as possible to the RNR board and advisors is beneficial for purposes of keeping others abreast of the disaster scene so further information can be updated for others, e.g., a posting made to the RNR Facebook pages indicating the latest information. Don't forget, you become the eyes and ears for Red Nose Response. Perhaps, it might result in a conference call with members of the board and advisory group. This can become a huge educational lesson for all.
Submit or Post Photos and/or Article
Some responders like to post photos or text directly to Facebook. Posting photos help identify who did what and where and how but DO NOT POST any photo (other than self or fellow responders) without consent from everyone else in the photo. If it is a photo with a minor, it is MANDATORY that the parent gives permission by signing a "photo release" form. Have a release form in your Grab & Go bag along with extra pens. Write an article and submit it for e-zine to share with all RNR responders. RNR WILL NOT INVADE SOMEONE'S PRIVACY FOR THE SAKE OF A PHOTO OPP. Be a well-prepared RNR responder by being ready for the unexpected
