Understanding Critical Incidents, Trauma, and the Human Recovery Journey

By Dean Harrison — Counselling Psychologist (iflow Psychology)

Critical incidents—such as medical emergencies, violent events, workplace accidents, or sudden threats to safety—can profoundly shake an individual’s sense of stability. These moments activate powerful physiological and psychological survival responses that shape how trauma is experienced in both the immediate aftermath and over the longer-term healing process.

Understanding these responses provides a foundation for compassionate support, effective trauma-informed care, and healthier recovery for individuals and organisations alike.

What Is a Critical Incident?

A critical incident is a sudden, unexpected event that threatens life, health, or psychological safety. Examples include:

• medical emergencies (cardiac events, seizures, collapses)

• serious accidents or near-misses

• workplace aggression, threats, or violence

• natural disasters

• assaults or traumatic criminal events

• witnessing death or severe injury

These events interrupt normal life abruptly and may leave people struggling with visible injuries or invisible psychological wounds. For some, the trauma is immediate and overwhelming; for others it surfaces days or weeks later.

Recognising the broad scope of impact is the first step in providing effective trauma-informed support.

In the stillness of the water, we see how critical incident trauma can leave us feeling submerged, yet the gentle ripples remind us that healing is possible, creating waves of change in our lives.

How Critical Incidents Affect the Body and Mind

When confronted with a threat, the human nervous system activates instinctively. These reactions—often misunderstood as “overreactions”—are actually normal survival mechanisms.

Explore trauma counselling in Sydney to better understand these reactions and develop strategies to stabilise their emotional and physical responses.

Fight–Flight Response

Adrenaline and cortisol surge, increasing heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension. Vision narrows, hearing may sharpen, and thinking becomes more reactive.

Freeze or Collapse Response

Some people shut down, become immobilised, or operate on autopilot. This can include inability to speak, blankness, or mental fog.

Dissociation

A common trauma response where a person detaches from their surroundings or feels numb, unreal, or disconnected from their body.

Emotional Shutdown

The mind suppresses overwhelming emotion to preserve psychological safety.

These instinctive patterns are helpful during danger—but when they persist long after the incident, they can contribute to traumatic stress, anxiety, avoidance, and functional impairment.

The Stages of Trauma Response After a Critical Incident

Trauma typically unfolds in recognisable phases. These are not rigid “stages” but patterns that help us understand and support recovery.

1. Shock / Event Phase (0–48 hours)

In the immediate aftermath, individuals may experience:

• confusion or disorientation

• trembling, nausea, rapid heartbeat

• fear, helplessness, or disbelief

• intrusive fragments of memory

• difficulty speaking or processing information

This is the nervous system absorbing the impact and prioritising survival.

2. Numbing and Protective Disconnection (hours to days)

Once the immediate danger passes, people often shift into:

• disbelief

• emotional flatness

• avoidance of reminders

• “just getting on with it”

This is a temporary protective buffer but can become problematic if prolonged.

3. Intrusion Phase (days to weeks)

As the brain attempts to process the event, symptoms may resurface:

• intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares

• hypervigilance and exaggerated startle

• irritability, anger, frustration

• anxiety, panic, or restlessness

• difficulty driving, attending work, or facing reminders

This phase often surprises people—they expect to feel better, yet their distress increases. This is normal and reflects the brain trying to integrate the experience.

4. Adjustment and Working-Through (weeks to months)

With stability, individuals begin to:

• reconstruct meaning

• regain emotional control

• talk about the event with more coherence

• reconnect with work, relationships, and roles

• rebuild confidence

Many individuals benefit from speaking with the psychologists at iflow Psychology to navigate this phase safely and develop long-term coping skills.

You may decide to book an appointment if symptoms interfere with sleep, concentration, work, driving, or general functioning.

5. Integration and Recovery (months onward)

Healing becomes evident through:

• improved emotional tolerance

• flexible coping

• renewed purpose

• clearer identity after the event

• ability to remember without becoming overwhelmed

Trauma becomes a chapter of the story—not the whole story.

Why Psychological Support Matters After a Critical Incident

Recovery is not only physical. Trauma can interrupt sleep, focus, decision-making, work performance, relationships, and everyday routines. Early psychological support reduces the risk of developing:

• acute stress disorder

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• chronic anxiety

• depression

• persistent avoidance or dissociation

• workplace performance decline

• long-term occupational health issues

Evidence-based counselling and therapy in Gladesville can help individuals process trauma safely and regain stability.

Workplaces also benefit from timely critical incident support for organisations, particularly when staff are exposed to violence, medical emergencies, or high-stress events.

Trauma-informed support may include:

Crisis Counselling

Immediate stabilisation, emotional support, and practical grounding.

Therapeutic Approaches

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), EMDR, grounding, breathing retraining, and trauma-processing strategies help reduce symptoms and restore functioning.

Peer or Group Support

Normalises reactions and reduces isolation.

Workplace Support and Leadership Strategies

Organisations benefit from trauma-informed leadership, structured return-to-work plans, and psychological first aid training.

Practical Ways to Support Someone After a Critical Incident

• Listen without judgement. Let them speak at their pace.

• Validate their reactions. Remind them that these responses are normal.

• Promote safety and routine. Structure helps stabilise the nervous system.

• Encourage professional help if symptoms persist or worsen.

• Be patient. Healing from trauma is often nonlinear.

Recognising Long-Term Trauma Symptoms

Some individuals experience prolonged difficulties, including:

• ongoing anxiety or panic

• avoidance of reminders

• sleep disruption

• irritability or emotional blunting

• concentration problems

• physical symptoms triggered by stress

• distress that interferes with work or relationships

Early intervention can significantly improve recovery.

Building Resilience After Trauma

Resilience develops through:

• supportive relationships

• healthy coping strategies (mindfulness, grounding, movement)

• psychological resources

• a sense of purpose or meaning

• access to professional guidance

Resilience does not erase trauma—but helps individuals regain agency and stability.

Final Thoughts

Critical incidents can leave lasting psychological and physiological effects. But with informed support, understanding, and the right therapeutic approaches, recovery is possible. Whether you are experiencing the impact firsthand or supporting someone through it, recognising trauma responses and accessing appropriate help can significantly improve the healing journey.

If you would like help navigating the aftermath of a critical incident, seeking trauma counselling, or supporting staff after a workplace event, professional guidance can make a meaningful difference.

About the Author — Dean Harrison, Counselling Psychologist

Dean Harrison is a senior Counselling Psychologist with extensive experience supporting individuals and organisations following critical incidents, traumatic events, and high-risk psychological situations.

Across his career, Dean has worked in specialist and high-risk operational environments, including:

• Special Services and high-risk commands within the NSW Police Force

• Investigations involving child deaths and serious allegations against employees in NSW

• National forensic and advisory groups responsible for managing critical incidents across Australian government agencies

Dean has provided clinical services, training, trauma briefings, behavioural insights, and risk assessments for frontline personnel, senior leadership, government departments, and high-exposure workforces. His experience includes supporting staff and teams after:

• violent incidents

• operational trauma

• sudden deaths

• medical emergencies

• workplace misconduct investigations

• high-impact organisational crises

Dean now brings this expertise to iflow Psychology, offering trauma-informed therapeutic support, critical-incident guidance, and organisational consultation for individuals, workplaces, and community-based services across Sydney and Australia.

Further Support

If you’ve been affected by a critical incident—or you’re supporting someone who has—professional guidance can help you understand your reactions and navigate the recovery process safely.

If you would like confidential support or organisational advice, you’re welcome to get in touch.

• Learn more about Trauma Counselling

• Book a confidential appointment

• Organisational Critical Incident Support

• Contact iflow Psychology