Learning Connection
UniSA is committed to providing a safe environment for students, staff and members of the public who may be visiting any of our campuses. However, the University recognises that traumatic events or situations that are some times referred to as critical incidents can arise on or off campus. In these situations, the University has a policy for managing and responding to critical incidents that aims to prevent or minimise physical or psychological harm to individuals who are directly involved or may be affected.
This resource aims to provide information to students who may have experienced a recent traumatic event or know a fellow student who has. It is designed to aid recovery and a return to normal functioning as soon as possible.
A critical or traumatic incident can be defined as "any sudden event or situation that involves actual, threatened, witnessed or perceived death, serious injury, or threat to the physical or psychological integrity of an individual or group" (Source: Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV). You may have been directly involved in an incident, witnessed it or be a friend or carer of someone affected. Critical incidents can cause severe physical injury, emotional distress, fear or harm. They may happen on or off campus and affect students and/or staff of the University.
Reactions to critical incidents vary across people and situations. It is normal for people to experience emotional aftershocks or stress reactions immediately after a critical incident or some time later. In some cases, stress reactions can come days, weeks or months after the incident has passed.
It is quite normal for people affected by a critical incident to experience strong physical and emotional reactions following the event that may or may not disrupt regular routines. For the vast majority of people, these reactions subside within two to four weeks as the person comes to terms with the situation and resumes regular daily activities. In some instances a severe reaction to trauma can continue for a longer period and the person affected may require assessment and follow up by a professional counsellor.
Reactions to trauma are unique to each individual and there is no one standard response. However it is common for people to experience some physical, cognitive and emotional reactions following a trauma.
Find out more about common reactions to trauma on the Australian Psychological Society website
If you are witnessing or involved in a critical incident on campus, report the incident immediately by contacting Security at the campus where the incident is taking place.
Remember that strong reactions after a traumatic incident are normal and do subside over time for most people. Because of the uniquely disturbing nature of these events it is recommended that you speak with a professional counsellor about how you are coping within the first 24 to 48 hours after the event. Other things you can do to assist recovery are listed below:
UniSA provides support to students and staff who are affected by a critical incident to aid recovery and a return to normal functioning as soon as possible;
A counsellor at Learning Connection can provide students with the following assistance:
For assistance with any incident or crisis on a campus contact the Security Service on each campus.
Any student affected by a critical or traumatic incident can access a confidential Counselling Service at Learning Connection located on each campus.
International students can be assisted by Learning Connection located on each campus.
For related information see Managing a personal crisis and Natural disaster - typical reactions, helpful strategies and assistance for students
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