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There are at least three functions that a chaplain in best suited to perform here in the Hampshire Fire Protection District.

 

 

To work with victims, family members and witnesses at the scene of an incident. Most emergency situations cause an extreme amount of stress on victims and families of victims. As one who is trained in pastoral care, a chaplain at the scene can attempt to defuse a chaotic situation. The primary objective here is to calm victims, family members, and witnesses and to explain to them just what is happening and what is likely to happen next. The chapain at the scene can also be helpful in notifying families in the event of a fatality. This serves two important goals: 1) to reduce the initial onset and effect of traumatic stress and 2) to free emergency personnel to do their jobs without interference.

An important second function is to provide care for emergency personnel at the scene and after the incident is over. As trained first responders you all experience and react to tragedy and respond to traumatic stress in much different ways than the victims you are called to serve. It's call "Critical Incident Stress" and it can have long term adverse affects if symptoms go unrecognized for even as little as twenty-four hours. Sometimes, you just may need to talk to a neutral person after handling a particularly difficult call.

A third function is to serve the community of emergency resonders here in Hampshire. As chaplain I will try to attend most District meetings and functions and maintain what is known as "a ministry of presence" with you. Often times, a traned clergy person is your best source for working through some of the hard questions -- the "What and Why" -- that follow the tragedies we all experience in life. The chaplain is not intended to replace the pastor of your own church, but is available to make hospital visits, home visits, and for funerals as necessary.