Traumatic stress response services Published July 28, 2009 By Capt. Nicole Steiner 20th Medical Group SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Sometimes life events have the potential to trigger symptoms of stress response. You may witness events as part of your job duties, or perhaps due to unexpected circumstances. Since everyone reacts to traumatic events in some way, the Air Force established a requirement for traumatic stress response teams at all active duty Air Force installations. The TSR's primary role is to consult with unit leaders when requested and provide initial response services when groups or individuals expect to be, or have been, exposed to a potentially traumatic event. The primary goal of TSR teams is to foster resiliency in those exposed to potentially traumatic stress and help return people to their normal level of functioning as quickly as possible. Different types of events or circumstances such as a suicide or work-related death in a unit, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or serious accidents may cause stress. Everyone may not have the same response to a traumatic event, and their stress-related symptoms can vary. To help assist, the TSR team is available when such events occur and will determine what services are needed. The TSR team is available to provide pre-exposure training, consultation, screening, education, psychological first aid and referrals. As part of pre-exposure preparation, TSR teams visit units or individuals to prepare them for potentially traumatic events. The team members will brief first responders and others who may be exposed to the traumatic situation on what to expect. In addition to the services described, Air Force instructions authorize people who experience or witness a traumatic event to get up to four one-on-one meetings with any member of the TSR team without documentation. These four meetings are not considered counseling sessions and will not generate a note in the member's medical record. One of the best ways to combat the symptoms of stress response is to talk to someone. The TSR team is here to help. For more information on Traumatic Stress R services, contact the Mental Health Clinic at 895-6199.