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7 Cs Of Stress First Aid
Continuous Aid
- Check
Assess, observe and listen
- Coordinate
Get help, refer as needed
Primary Aid
- Cover
Get to safety ASAP
- Calm
Relax, slow down, refocus
Secondary Aid
- Connect
Get support from others
- Competence
Restore effectiveness
- Confidence
Restore self-esteem and hope
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Scenario
While on a response team in Iraq, LTJG Harper witnesses a team member killed by an IED. Harper was near the explosion but was unhurt.
You begin to notice:
- Harper is not sleeping well.
- He seems unfocused during briefs.
- He misses meetings and has visited "doc" because of headaches and blurry vision.
- He looks tired and is jumpy. He appears very anxious and agitated.
This goes on for a couple of weeks. What do you do?
Check
Tell LTJG Harper that you are concerned about his appearance and his behavior and ask him how he feels.
Coordinate
You plan with the unit doc and chain of command to get Harper help.
Cover
Take Harper to a quiet place so you can talk. Actively listen to him.
Why? This promotes a sense of safety and reduces the effects of stress on the body.
Calm
Give LTJG Harper some relaxation techniques—such as deep-breathing exercises--to reduce his anxiety. Assure him you want to help.
Why? Reducing anxiety helps support sleep and promotes better decision making.
Connect
Engage unit support, such as getting Harper to a chaplain and to medical to further evaluate for symptoms of TBI.
Why? Support is related to better emotional well-being and recovery. It leads to normalizing reactions and experiences. It reminds us we are not alone.
Competence
After a few visits to the chaplain and medical, you start to get LTJG Harper back on task and engaged in his job.
Why? Competence restores the ability to manage daily activities. It increases our trust in our capabilities.
Confidence
LTJG Harper is performing well again and has reintegrated with the unit.
Why? Self-confidence improves post-trauma outcomes. Expressing your confidence in Harper shows him and the unit that the LTJG is valued. This helps to reduce any stigma of asking and receiving help.
Sleep Advice