Crisis Management Policy

Crisis Management Policy for Compass Retreats

Purpose: The Crisis Management Policy outlines the procedures and protocols to be followed during a crisis or emergency situation within Compass Retreats. This policy aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, clinicians, and staff while maintaining a high standard of care and support.

Scope: This policy applies to all clinicians, staff, and participants involved in Compass Retreats.

 1. Definition of Crisis

A crisis is any situation that poses an immediate threat to the health or safety of participants or staff, which may include, but is not limited to:

Emotional or psychological distress

Self-harm or suicidal ideation

Aggressive behaviour or potential harm to others

Medical emergencies

Natural disasters affecting the retreat environment

2. Crisis Prevention Strategies

To minimize the risk of crises, Compass Retreats will implement the following preventive strategies:

Regular Assessments: Conduct regular psychological and emotional assessments of participants to identify potential areas of concern.

Open Communication: Encourage participants to express their concerns and emotions freely, fostering a supportive environment where issues can be addressed early.

3. Crisis Response Procedures

In the event of a crisis, the following steps will be taken:

Step 1: Immediate Assessment

Clinicians will assess the situation to determine the severity of the crisis and the immediate needs of the individual(s) involved.

Step 2: Ensure Safety

Prioritise the safety of the individual(s) in crisis and those around them.

Remove any potentially harmful objects if necessary and create a safe space.

Step 3: Engage Support

Engage the clinician responsible for the participant or the clinical lead immediately.

If appropriate, involve other staff members to provide additional support.

Step 4: Provide Support

Offer emotional support and reassurance to the individual in crisis.

Use de-escalation, redirection, directive statements, and other techniques to help stabilise the situation.

Step 5: Follow-Up Care

Once the crisis has been stabilised, ensure that the individual receives appropriate follow-up care and support.

Collaborate with the participant to develop a safety plan and identify coping strategies.

4. Emergency Contacts

In cases where external intervention is required, the following contacts should be readily available:

Emergency Services: Dial 000 for immediate medical assistance or police intervention. Or the hosting nations equivalent.

Local Mental Health Crisis Line: Contact details for local mental health services that can provide additional support.

On-Site Medical Personnel: Identify and list any on-site medical resources available to address health-related emergencies.

5. Documentation and Review

All crisis incidents must be documented, including the circumstances, assessment, actions taken, and outcomes.

Conduct a review of the incident to evaluate response effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Use feedback to enhance training and preparation for future crises.

6. Training and Drills

Train staff on crisis intervention strategies and response protocols.

Conduct simulated crisis drills to prepare staff and participants for potential emergencies.

7. Review of the Policy

This Crisis Management Policy will be reviewed annually or as necessary to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with best practices and regulatory standards. Staff will be informed of any revisions.

Conclusion: The Gateways Program is dedicated to providing a safe environment for all participants. By proactively preparing for potential crises and implementing effective response strategies, we aim to minimize risks and ensure the well-being of everyone involved.