Disaster Mental Health Team ready to respond at Kirtland

  • Published
  • By Jim Fisher
  • 377 ABW Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  In the event of a crisis, such as a catastrophic weather event, an aircraft accident, or the death of a comrade, Kirtland's Disaster Mental Health Team is ready to respond.

The DMH is a team of experts available as a resource to Team Kirtland members in the wake of a crisis or life-threatening event, according to Maj. Paul Milazzo, chief of the 377th Medical Group's Mental Health Element. 

"We provide psychological first aid. When something occurs where people's safety and well-being are threatened, or something catastrophic occurs, we try to help mitigate the negative effects," Milazzo said. 

Milazzo, who is chief of the DMH, said the team was formerly called the Traumatic Stress Response Team, and although the name has changed, the services provide haven't. Comprised of representatives from mental health, the chaplaincy, the Airman and Family Readiness Center and other local experts as needed, the team is normally requested by commanders managing a crisis involving their units. The team chief consults with unit leadership to assess the situation and then gather resources.

Although team members are not first responders, they are available to members in the immediate aftermath of a crisis, said Capt. Laura Boylan, 377th MDG Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Element chief and alternate DMH chief.

"When activated, we can tailor a response for the specific event. From there we provide education and support, even following up with people in the days and weeks after an incident, reminding them that we are still available," Boylan said.

She said the typical path to recovery is non-linear, and people coping with stress connected to life-threatening events may not anticipate the thoughts and feelings which may follow. Educating people about common reactions can normalize the process.

"People might have trouble sleeping, they might feel on edge, they might feel angry - all normal reactions," Milazzo said. "We provide basic education about common reactions they might experience and how to cope in healthy, as opposed to unhealthy ways."

Active-duty members, military beneficiaries, civilian employees and contractors can make use of crisis intervention services following a critical event. Individuals can access up to four visits with a DMH team member. Services are fully voluntary and no mental health or medical record is created, Milazzo said.

"People can talk about how their life may have changed in the aftermath of an event, how they are adapting and get support to move forward," he said. "This isn't therapy. It's psychological first aid."

Referrals for other services are available if requested, Boylan said.

"If someone requests a referral for other services, then we can make other resources available to them," she said. "Or if down the line from an event they decide they need to do something more, they can call us and we can provide those services."

In 2014, the DMHT has responded to six incidents, with the majority involving people dealing with the death of a unit member, according to Milazzo.

"People are incredibly strong and resilient. Most people over time will get through these experiences without lasting negative effects," Milazzo said. "The purpose of the DMH team is to help ensure people have the support and the information that they need--so they take care of themselves and support their coworkers, units and families."

Commanders can access the DMH team through the Command Post at 846-3777, or during duty hours by calling the Mental Health Flight directly at 846-3305.