Applying Crisis Intervention Skills in the Real World: The Experience of a Red Cross Volunteer

Imagine what is required to meet the immediate needs of people who have experienced loss from a major disaster such as a flood, hurricane, tsunami, earthquake, or wildfire. When such events occur in the United States or its territories, the American Red Cross starts a Disaster Response Operation, and mental health is always a component in the response. This organization also responds to local disasters such as house and apartment fires and local flooding that displaces residents. As a retired school psychologist and volunteer with the American Red Cross, the author has responded to numerous local disasters. Recently he had the privilege of being deployed on a major disaster operation as a disaster mental health associate. This article is an attempt to relate his experiences, tell how it relates to school psychology, and encourage others to join him as volunteers.