A strategy for trauma debriefing after railway suicides

Following an increase in the incidence of railway suicide from an average of four events a year up to 1989 to 12 in 1990 an initiative was developed between the District Department of Clinical and Community Psychology, Exeter Health Authority and British Rail, Western Region. Traincrew leaders and management had become increasingly aware of the severity of the short- and long-term effects on drivers of experiencing a suicide. Although a management strategy had been developed over time to deal with what had been a rare phenomenon it was clear that such a dramatic increase in suicides warranted a more professional approach to debriefing and trauma counselling. This paper describes the strategies adopted by psychologists in developing an understanding of the stresses of experiencing suicides and other major incidents. The outcome of small group sessions with affected drivers is outlined. An account of the strategy developed through workshops with traincrew leaders is detailed and a three-stage debriefing (shock, search, adjustment) and follow-up protocol is discussed. This process is proposed for adoption as normal procedure following suicides or similar traumas for drivers and line managers.