About the conference
Denmark has been identified as a likely terrorist target and there are uncertainties about how well the existing plans for the psychosocial response will function after a major catastrophe or terrorist act. Even though these incidents are rare, it is important that the Danish society prepares, utilises Danish and international experience and establishes a psychosocial emergency response that can handle larger tasks.
Emergency disaster response exercises are conducted regularly, where first responders are deployed and learn how to improve their performance and co-operation. The subsequent psychosocial response, on the other hand, receives almost no attention.
The Danish experience with psychosocial intervention has recently been evaluated and several possible points for improvement have emerged, including organising the help so that it becomes proactive.
Can we learn from foreign experiences? The London Underground bombs? Utøya? The bombings and terror in Israel? If we listen to and understand foreign experiences, we can likely improve psychosocial preparedness, saving valuable time and targeting the necessary interventions.
The conference focussed on four challenges for psychosocial interventions:
1) Will the authorities work together to ensure victims receive optimal treatment?
2) Will the citizens receive consistent support and treatment from qualified staff?
3) Will the children, elderly and disabled people be given special consideration?
4) Will the help become more proactive and involve patient involvement in the future?
The conference took place on the 8th of January at 10-16 at the University of Southern Denmark.
Material from the conference
Find the material from the day in the form of Power Point Slides and videos of the presentations here.
