There are steps to take before, during, and after an emergency to manage stress.

• Before. During the volunteer orientation or during stress management seminars, ask seasoned volunteers to talk about how they have dealt with stress.
• During. Ensure that volunteers are matched to appropriate job assignments, get regular meals and breaks, and are rotated out at the end of a reasonable-length shift. (Note that “reasonable” shift length will vary based on the size, type, and complexity of the incident; the job; and other factors.)
• After. Invite a mental health professional to hold a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). CISD involves gathering people who were involved in a crisis to discuss their reactions with their peers.

Each activity undertaken to mitigate volunteer stress is part of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).