A critical incident is any incident or sequence of events which overwhelms the normal coping mechanisms of the school (National Educational Psychological Service, 2016). Such events may cause significant distress to pupils, staff and parents/carers.

Some key elements might include (Raphael, 1986; Flannery and Everly, 2000):

• Rapid time sequences
• Overwhelming people’s ability to cope
• Perceptions of threat and helplessness
• Severe disruption
• Functional impairment

“A critical incident may be thought of as any stressor event or stimulus that has the potential to lead to a crisis response in many individuals.” (MacNeil, W & Topping, K 2007)

You can view and download our Schools Mental Health Critical Incident Aftercare Procedure here:

Schools MH Critical Incident procedure V2