Threat response prepared for worst Published May 12, 2010 By 52nd Medical Operations Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- When discussing helping agencies, many immediately think about the classes and services offered on base. While this is true, the helping agencies also play a role in responding and supporting our wing in the event of a tragedy. The 52nd Fighter Wing Traumatic Stress Response team's primary purpose is to serve as trauma response consultants for Spangdahlem in accordance with AFI 44-153. The TSR team can be activated in response to individual events that affect a unit, such as the death of a member, or a traumatic event that may affect the entire base such as a natural disaster. As trauma consultants to our unit leaders, the TSR team focuses on training base personnel who are most likely be exposed to potentially traumatic events, such as first responders. Team members educate personnel about responses to extreme or threatening situations. Further education is provided that details basic stress management skills and focuses on increasing personnel and unit resiliency. Without these coping skills, individuals can be at risk for future negative impact from the traumatic event as well as stress and burnout. A final and important role filled by the TSR team is to provide direct behavior health support as an individual adjusts to their normal lifestyle after a life-threatening event. This can include four individual sessions with a TSR member that is not documented in the medical or any other record. In addition, the team will make appropriate referrals to base resources as needed. The TSR team consists of licensed and credentialed mental health providers, chaplains and representatives from the Airman & Family Readiness Center. The team also invites other base military and civilian personnel to augment the TSR team's capabilities. Personnel may volunteer on a short- or long-term basis. Short-term volunteers will receive prepatory training while long-term volunteers will participate in quarterly team trainings. To volunteer, please contact the Mental Health Clinic at 452-8285. Many hope that the wing's disaster response resources are never needed; however, all military members know just how important readiness can be. The TSR team is no exception, and as a result, the team trains and prepares to support the wing commander and unit leaders with meeting their mission requirements - on call and always ready.