Citation

Weisaeth L. Prehosp. Disaster Med. 2004; 19(1): 86-89.

Affiliation

University of Oslo, The Military Medical Competence Center, Oslo, Norway. lars.weisath@psykiatri.uio.no

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15453164

Abstract

This paper describes the establishment and activities of the Information and Support Centres developed in Norway in the aftermath of large-scale accidents and disasters between 1980 and 1990. The function of these Centres is to provide rapid, authoritative information and psychosocial support services for the next-of-kin of disaster victims, including the families of those missing. By gathering together those affected by a particular event, the Centres provide a setting in which individuals and families can support each other. The activities of the psychosocial team include triage for mental-health emergencies, orienting survivors to immediately available local services, communication with family, friends, and community, and other forms of psychological first aid. The psychosocial team also provides linkages to local health, clergy, and other local resources that are near to the family's home and could provide continued care if necessary.

Language: en