Managing Critical Incidents

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Donegal ETB Educational Psychologist Martin Gallen.

Donegal Education and Training Board’s (ETB) Psychology Service has been providing support to students, staff, and families across post-primary schools and Further Education and Training centres, including Youthreach, since 2010. One of the most important, and sometimes challenging, parts of the service’s work is responding to critical incidents. These are events that have the potential to overwhelm a school community, such as the sudden death of a student or staff member, a suspected suicide, a serious accident, or any traumatic situation that leaves people feeling shocked and vulnerable. How do we manage events like these? In this blog, our Education Psychologist, Martin Gallen explains.

When a crisis like this occurs, schools and centres follow a Critical Incident Management Plan, a practical guide for responding to the situation. This plan is developed in advance by the school’s Critical Incident Team, which usually includes the Principal, Deputy Principal, guidance counsellor, special education needs coordinator, and other key staff. It clearly outlines what steps to take, who is responsible for what, how to communicate with families and staff, and how to ensure that those most affected are supported. Donegal ETB’s Psychologist works closely with schools and Youthreach centres to develop, review, and activate these plans when needed.

Throughout the Critical Incident response, internal school roles are really important. The Principal leads the coordination, guidance counsellors and support teachers provide direct emotional care, and classroom teachers play a key role in maintaining connection and spotting changes in student wellbeing. Donegal ETB’s Psychologist is generally there in the background, helping schools navigate the journey from immediate response to long-term recovery.

A key part of managing a crisis is collaboration, and this happens, in particular, with the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). NEPS psychologists often work alongside Donegal ETB’s Psychologist to provide direct support to schools during critical incidents. For example, they may help school staff prepare what to say to students, offer guidance on how to identify those who might be especially vulnerable, and join meetings to advise on immediate and ongoing supports. NEPS also supports schools with planning and training sessions throughout the year, so that staff feel more prepared should a crisis arise.

In the immediate days following a crisis, the focus is on restoring a sense of safety and normal routine. This might include setting up a quiet room for students who need space, holding staff briefings, and providing age-appropriate information to students. Guidance counsellors and special education staff provide emotional support, and teachers help spot students who may need more help. Donegal ETB’s Psychologist often attends schools during this time to support staff and students directly, with NEPS psychologists often offering additional onsite or remote support.

Over the following weeks, the focus shifts to medium-term support, checking in with those who are struggling, offering group or one-to-one support, and helping school staff adapt routines where needed. Referrals may be made to external supports, including HSE mental health and psychology Services or Jigsaw, the Youth Mental Health service, depending on the needs of students or families. The school team continues to monitor well-being and work with the ETB psychologist to ensure no one is overlooked.

In the longer term, over months or even into the next school year, follow-up supports might be offered. In some situations, especially when a tragedy affects more than one school or impacts the broader community, a community-wide response is needed. In these cases, a multi-agency response team, chaired by the Health Service Executive, is activated. This group might include other local services like TUSLA, HSE services, NEPS, the Gardaí, and others. They work together to provide a joined-up and sensitive response, making sure support reaches everyone who needs it, from young people and staff to families and local community members.

The following services are available for help and guidance to schools and for young people in the event of a Critical Incident:

Critical incidents can be very challenging, but with the right support, planning, and collaboration, schools and communities can come through them stronger, more connected, and better equipped for the future.