Traumatic events and adverse childhood events cont.
Ensure your own safety. If you have witnessed a traumatic event, check for potential dangers, such as fire, weapons, or debris. Check for any other potential risks, such as people who may become aggressive. Approach calmly and ensure a safe environment. If you are helping a young person who you don’t know, introduce yourself and explain what your role is. Find out their name and use it when talking to them. If appropriate, take the young person to a safer location or remove any immediate dangers. Address immediate needs. If there has been an accident or mass traumatic event, try to determine what the person’s immediate needs are i.e., medical attention, food, water, or clothing. If they – Reassure them that violence and abuse is never okay and never their fault. – Explain that there are agencies and people that can help. – Discuss a ‘safety plan’ – ask if they know how to dial 999, how to get out of the house, and if they have somewhere or someone safe to go to. If you have concerns about a young person who is either being abused or at risk of abuse, call the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children’s (NSPCC) 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 5000. The NSPCC can offer advice and guidance, and take your concerns to the appropriate channels on your behalf. Your call can be anonymous. If you work for an employer with a child protection policy, follow the guidelines immediately. If you believe the young person is in immediate danger, call the police. If you believe the young person is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
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