TSR team assists with developing resiliency Published Feb. 8, 2012 By Capt. Jose Ortega 99th Medical Operations Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Today's Air Force is focused on developing resilient Airmen. To accomplish this, the Air Force has provided numerous resources that will assist Airmen as they strengthen themselves mentally, physically and spiritually. One resource that is available to help Airmen before and after a tough time is called the Traumatic Stress Response team. Formerly known as the Critical Incident Stress Management team, the TSR team is comprised of representatives from the Mental Health office, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, and the base chapel. These trained professionals help prepare people for what they may face when dealing with a traumatic event, such as the aftermath of an airplane crash, the clean-up of a natural disaster site, the death of a service member or the death of a family member. One way the TSR team achieves this is by providing pre-exposure preparation training, which enhances the resilience in individuals and groups who may be exposed to traumatic events. For example, the TSR team educates individuals about potential reactions to trauma, which may include a variety of physical and/or mental changes, such as a person's sleep, thoughts, social interactions or concentration being interrupted by intrusive thoughts of the trauma or event. The TSR team also provides assistance to people who have experienced a traumatic event. They perform psychological first aid and guide those impacted by an event so those people can return to pre-event functioning. Those individuals may be feeling anything from shock and anger to sorrow or apathy, and the team works with them so those individuals can develop personal resilience and bounce back from their experiences. In addition, the team advises commanders after one of their Airmen experiences a traumatic event and informs them of the services the TSR team can provide to help those involved cope with what has occurred. For more information on the TSR team located here at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., or to learn more about developing personal resiliency, contact the Mental Health Resiliency office at 702-653-3880 or visit http://www.nellis.af.mil/units/bounce.asp.
