YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Traumatic Stress Response (TSR) is a coordinated response initiated by unit leaders in which the TSR team engages in the provision of services to individuals and groups who may have or who have had direct exposure to a potentially traumatic event.
The purpose of the TSR per Air Force Instruction 44-153, is to foster resilience in those who are, or may be exposed to, potentially traumatic events.
A privileged mental health provider serves as the TSR team chief and is supported by a mental health team, chapel staff and the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Spiritual support is provided by chaplains and chaplain assistants and the Airman and Family Readiness Center consults regarding readiness and needs of families affected by the event.
"TSR teams are a valuable mental health tool for Airmen and their families in times of stress or tragedy," said Capt. Paula Clark, the 374th Medical Group TSR Team Chief. "The teams are prepared to assist in the aftermath of ground and air mishaps, natural disasters, major accidents or any incident that involves loss of life or significant injury."
TSR teams are established at all active duty Air Force installations and are managed by the base's medical group.
TSR teams:
· Serve as trauma response consultants to unit leaders
· Prepare personnel likely to be exposed to potentially traumatic events
· Provide screening, education, psychological first aid and referral for those exposed to potentially traumatic events
When a potentially traumatic event occurs, commanders can contact the TSR team through the base Command Post. The TSR team will consult with the commander to determine what services to offer. TSR services are available in response to any incidents affecting the base population that involve actual, or even threatened, loss of life or significant injury. These services may also be provided in response to other events at the request of the unit commander.
For more information regarding TSR teams and the services they provide, contact Yokota's Traumatic Stress Response Team at 225-3566.