TSR provides support after traumatic event Published Feb. 25, 2009 By Capt. K. Dhillon-Davis 82nd Medical Operations Squadron SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Air Force recently changed Critical Incident Stress Management to the Traumatic Stress Response team to provide better support after a traumatic event. The concept of TSR is a relatively new adaptation of CISM. The Sheppard team serves both the 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing. Mandatory debriefings included under the CISM model have been discontinued with TSR. The TSR team consists of members from the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Mental Health Flight and the Wing Chaplains Office. Team members are enlisted, officers, and civilians. The team trains on a quarterly basis and utilizes real world incidents as training opportunities. TSR provides supportive, educative, and consultative services to units as requested by their commanders. Services include pre-exposure preparation training, referrals, psychological first aid, education, and consultation to commanders as well as to unit members. Units receiving services are those that are affected by a traumatic event, or those that provide first responder services such as Security Forces, Fire Response and Emergency Medic al support services and the Search and Recovery Team. The general process is for a commander to contact us after a traumatic incident either directly or through the command post. We are usually asked to address the unit and provide education on what to expect from themselves and others, how to seek help, and how to provide help to each other after a traumatic event has affected their unit. Because it is well known that there is negative stigma associated with seeking mental health services, the AF has made it possible for individuals to seek support after a unit-impacting traumatic event that is not reflected in a service member's records. Members are eligible to receive four sessions for the purpose of education and consultation with a member of the TSR team. These services are utilized on a voluntary basis. The Sheppard TSR team has responded to such incidents as the Air Mishap that occurred May 2008, as well as to various units that have experienced deaths of unit members. TSR services can be initiated by contacting Capt. K. Dhillon-Davis at 676-6075.