Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Study Guide

What is a recommended action to take following a critical incident?

1. Avoid discussion about the incident

2. Get some physical exercise

3. Consume more coffee

4. Stay alone to reflect

The correct answer is: Get some physical exercise

Engaging in physical exercise following a critical incident is a recommended action because it serves several beneficial purposes for mental and emotional health. Physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety, aids in the release of endorphins (which are hormones that promote a sense of well-being), and can improve mood. In the aftermath of a critical incident, individuals may experience heightened emotional responses, and exercising can act as a healthy outlet for these feelings, providing both immediate relief and long-term support for mental health. While avoiding discussion about the incident can lead to bottled-up feelings and unresolved emotions, discussing experiences can often facilitate healing. Consuming more coffee might provide a temporary boost in alertness, but it does not address the need for emotional processing and can increase anxiety levels. Staying alone to reflect can also lead to rumination, where one might excessively think about negative aspects of the incident, potentially resulting in increased feelings of distress instead of resolution. Therefore, physical exercise is a proactive and constructive approach to coping after a critical incident.