EMDR-PRECI: A Vital Tool for First Responders Managing Recent Critical Incidents

Jun 14

As first responders, you witness some of the most harrowing and unimaginable events. Whether you’ve been on the job for one year, fifteen years, or twenty-five years, there might come a time when a particular call haunts you in ways that others haven’t. Days or even weeks after the incident, you might find yourself unable to sleep, plagued by nightmares, or experiencing intrusive memories and flashbacks. A certain smell might trigger a flood of memories, making it hard to focus on anything else.

You might be reluctant to seek therapy, thinking "that doesn't work" or worrying about being in therapy for years. You just need to find a way to release the hold that one call has on you to move forward both professionally and personally. This is where understanding EMDR-PRECI can be incredibly beneficial.

What is EMDR-PRECI?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-established psychotherapy method designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories and is the gold standard within the VA. The EMDR-PRECI (Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents) is a specialized adaptation of EMDR developed specifically for use shortly after a critical incident. It aims to reduce acute distress and prevent the development of chronic PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.

How EMDR-PRECI Works

Bilateral Stimulation: EMDR involves the use of bilateral stimulation, which can include eye movements, taps, or sounds. This stimulation helps the brain process and integrate traumatic memories more effectively.
Memory Processing: During the EMDR session, you focus on the traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation. This process helps the brain reprocess the memory, reducing its intensity and emotional impact.
Integration: Typically over 2, 90 minute sessions, the traumatic memory becomes integrated in a way that diminishes its ability to trigger distress. This allows you to think about the event without experiencing the same level of emotional turmoil.

Benefits for First Responders

Rapid Relief: The structured and focused nature of EMDR-PRECI can provide rapid relief from the acute distress associated with recent traumatic incidents typically after the first session.
Prevention of Chronic PTSD: By addressing the trauma early, EMDR-PRECI helps prevent the development of chronic PTSD and other long-term psychological problems.
Improved Functioning: Alleviating the distress from the traumatic memory enables you to continue your professional duties and personal life more effectively.

Conclusion

EMDR-PRECI offers a promising solution for first responders experiencing acute trauma. By providing a structured, focused, and efficient method of processing traumatic memories soon after they occur, this protocol can help mitigate the impact of trauma and support overall wellness. If you or someone you know is struggling with a recent traumatic event, contact me here to set up a confidential consultation.

Be safe and take a breath.