Researchers assessed the intervention protocols for critical incidents in the rail sector in order to determine which elements in these protocols have major positive effects on the recovery of employees who have experienced significant stress after dealing with critical incidents.

Every year, some 100 people die in railway accidents in Canada, 20 of whom are in Québec. Most train engineers and conductors experience this type of critical incident at least once in their careers. They find themselves acting as witnesses, victims, participants and often as first responders. Many get back to a satisfactory personal and occupational level of functioning quickly and have very few sequelae. However, from 4 to 17% of these employees will suffer from more severe disorders, including depression, acute stress, post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety disorders.

A new report led to significant advances in knowledge in the field and how to apply it in the form of concrete practices that can be easily put into action in the industry. The report presents a summary of good practices in the management of potentially traumatic incidents, as well as recommendations for designing and implementing critical incident management and support protocols.