CRISIS DE-ESCALATION and VETERANS – some ideas and tips

GETTING A LEG UP

Always look for clues that subject is a Veteran •

Dispatcher should routinely ask callers if the subject is a Veteran •

Obvious clues: dog tags, military tattoos, combat uniforms, desert boots, or distinct military bearing

Listen to what the subject says in terms of use of military words •

If the situation allows, ask directly about military service •

Obtain additional information without escalating the situation •

More information received, more leverage to deescalate the situation

MILITARY LINGO – some terms

FUBAR - F***** Up Beyond All Recognition: A description of many differing items and people.

BOHICA –bend over, here it comes again

SNAFU – Situation Normal, All Fouled Up

First Shirt - First Sergeant (Usually the most senior Non-Commissioned Officer, or NCO, within a military unit) Wingnut –

An affectionate term for a member of the US Air Force

Bravo Sierra (BS) - Initials for the word "bullshit"

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot or WTF – What The Frock

MOS – Military Occupational Specialty (Army) – if another branch of service, ask what the individual’s designator or

rating was

Rack - Navy/Marine Corps: A bed (particularly on a ship or boat. In the Navy, only submarines are boats.)

Rack time - Sleeping

WHAT NOT TO FORGET •

Despondent, angry, or agitated Veterans are often combat Veterans who have carried home the wounds of war. They

are not necessarily mentally ill or disordered •

PTSD is not a mental disorder, disease process, psychological condition as much as it is a PSYCHOLOGICAL AND MORAL

INJURY. MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA, MST, is a condition of PTSD. •

It is estimated that 30 percent of returning Veterans consider taking their own lives – likely a low estimate

Returning combat or other Veterans too often carry ‘invisible wounds of war’ -- for example, PTSD, mild to moderate

TBI, Moral Injury, MST) – that remain undetected and can go untreated to the point where the Veteran becomes

involved in the criminal justice system.

Interfacing with the criminal justice system is often the first opportunity for facilitating crisis intervention and treatment

Ask the Veteran or Service Member if he/she is experiencing suicidal ideation or intent •

Be calm in your approach •

Have the courage of conviction to ask directly if the individual is thinking of suicide OR harming someone else

Consider that the SM or Veteran is experiencing intense emotional distress

Remove any weapons, objects, tools, or other items that may pose a danger

Ask and actively listen for details about what, where and when they may be planning to take their life or the life of

someone else

Be non-judgmental as you listen

Be supportive and empathic, but direct and firm about maintaining behavioral control

Reaffirm that help will be provided and is on its way

KEEPING THINGS SAFE

If the subject is a combat Veteran, assume extra safety precautions are necessary •

Many, if not most Veterans have access to firearms

When called to the home of a Service Member or Veteran, whether for hostile actions, domestic situations, or

suicidal/homicidal gestures, assume there are weapons and ammunition onboard

When Service Members or Veterans decompensate, the situation may become volatile. Establish physical distance

between the subject and everyone else around him . Use phrases that convey providing some breathing room . Such

non-confrontational responses decrease threat level and promote the re-establishment of safety

Especially during a flashback, the Veteran’s actions may be outside realm of their ability to dial back / control •

They may also be experiencing some degree of physical pain and likely, have not received the appropriate level of

treatment •

So if it is at all appropriate and feasible, thank them for their military service, even after taking them down and

handcuffing them, Mean it as respectfully as possible . Do what you can to help that Veteran save face.

as possible in that communication. This can be critical to de-escalation of the crisis, decreasing threat level and

The SM or Veteran may also believe he or she is about to be attacked •

Cue the SM or Veteran and tell them what you are about to do, even if that just involves taking notes

Most importantly, calming the SM or veteran should be a primary goal: •

Use supportive language •

If there is a symphony of noises, separate the SM or veteran from the chaos •

Neurologically, these individuals may be “torqued up” by the ravages of war and highly charged by any degree of stress

If you have any ties to the military, mention this. Use what words work….tell the SM or veteran that you appreciate

their service in war and how grateful you are for their service to our country. The more real and genuine you can be

with the SM or veteran, the less likely he or she will perceive you as an enemy

This is particularly true when forced to take action, making it more likely the defensive posture will be dropped.

Allow the Veteran free reign to talk but if discussion is around military service, try to keep it general. This is ordinarily an

effective means of winding them down •

At all costs, do not argue with ranting and raving. Be noncommittal and acknowledge that their situation is a most

difficult one •

Use TIME as your ally if control is at risk. Sometimes, the SM or Veteran needs a good reason to reestablish control.

Offer this to him or her.