During your time as a Resident Assistant, you may need to respond to high-level incidents that are classified as crises.  It is important to remember you have the full support of the ResLife staff and you will never be alone when responding to these incidents. During these situations it is best to rely on your instincts as a helper and use your best judgment.

As a Resident Assistant responding to crises and critical incidents, there are a number of support resources available to you. When you become aware of a high-level situation, it is important to immediately share information with the Resident Director On Duty. The RD On Duty should be contacted for medical transports, mental health concerns, any situations involving violence or the threat of violence, when substances need to be confiscated, bias incidents, sexual assaults, or at any time you are unsure what to do to address and resolve a situation.

Always contact the RD On Duty first by calling the RD On Duty phone or by radio, keeping in mind that confidential or sensitive information should be shared via cell phone only. If you are unable to get a hold of the RD On Duty through the duty phone call the RD On Duty's home phone or personal cell phone - both are programmed into the duty phones. Failing that contact another Resident Director.

After explaining the situation, the RD will provide further instructions to you.  It is important to follow the directions of the RD and understand your role as a vital support person during emergency and high level situations.

During a crisis or emergency situation, you will be asked by the Resident Director or Police Services to do a number of tasks, including providing emotional support to bystanders and residents, getting necessary equipment, calling for assistance, or crowd-control.

Preparation is absolutely crucial to responding to crisis situations successfully. One of the best ways you can be prepared is to thoroughly understand procedures and resources before you're in the middle of a crisis situation!  During an emergency you likely will not have time to read the manual or procedures so it is important to take the time now to read through the following sections. Review these sections often and you will be able to effectively direct people to the right resources during a crisis situation.

• A. Fire Evacuation Procedures
• B. Concerning Behavior (incl. Depression, Self-harm, Suicide Risk)
• C. Sexual Assault
• D. Medical Emergencies
• E. Facilities Emergencies
• F. Other Crisis Situations (Bias Incidents, Firearms, etc.)

Additionally, during a time of crisis it's important to:

• Take a second to calm yourself and think. Focus on your breathing.
• Assess the situation. Ask yourself: what is the central issue?
• Contact a Resident Director. Share the information you know clearly and prioritize the important information first.
• Follow any directions from the Resident Director
• Stay out of the way of emergency response vehicles and personnel (i.e. EMTs)
• Be aware that crisis situations don't just impact one individual. Talk to bystanders, roommates and neighbors who may be troubled or upset by the situation. Use your helping skills to calm them and connect them to the best resources.
• Do your best to communicate clearly. Prioritize information.
• When directing students to resources, speak clearly and with confidence.
• Be aware it is not uncommon to be affected by situations yourself. Be sure to seek out support if you have been affected by a situation. Talk to your Resident Director, a friend, a family member or the Counseling Center.

• 5.1  The Conduct Process at Evergreen
  
• 5.2  Duty Responsibilities
• 5.3  Duty Equipment
  
• 5.4  Addressing Policy Violations
• 5.5  Communication & Incident Reporting
• 5.6  Responding to Crisis Situations

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