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BICEPS Principles for Combat Stress Control
OVERVIEW:
- (1) Historical perspective
- (2) Contributing factors
- (3) Stress reactions
- (4) BICEPS principles
- (5) Combat Stress Control Management
Identify facts and principles about combat stress control
(1) Historical Perspective:
- (a) Civil war – called “nostalgia” or “homesickness”
- (b) World War I – called “shell-shock” from constant exposure to bombing
- (c) World War II – called “combat fatigue” resulting from participation in many battles
(2) Contributing Factors
- (a) Problems at home
- (b) New/first exposure to combat
- (c) Loss of buddies
- (d) Sleep deprivation
- (e) Lack of information/support
- (f) Physically run-down
- (g) Inadequate fitness
- (h) Dehydration/hunger
- (i) State of being wet, cold or hot
- (j) Loss of confidence
(3) Stress Reactions
- (a) Vary from mild to extreme
- (b) Psychological reactions
- 1 Fear (normal reaction for everyone)
- 2 Hyper-alertness
- 3 Poor concentration
- 4 Nightmares/insomnia
- 5 Anxiety/crying
- 6 Emotional withdrawal
- 7 Feelings of guilt
- 8 Hysterical blindness or paralysis
- (c) Physical signs and symptoms
- 1 Exhaustion – predominant factor
- 2 Hyperventilation
- 3 Increased blood pressure/heart rate
- 4 Anorexia, nausea, and/or diarrhea
- 5 Urinary frequency
- 6 Gross body tremors/poor body posture
(4) BICEPS Principles
- (a) BICEPS approach uses six elements to aid in recovery
1 Brevity
- a Brief treatment, no longer than three days
- b Usually at second echelon facility
2 Immediacy
- a Identify the need for care early – don't wait
- b Provide care as soon as possible
3 Centrality
- a Treat in separate location (not in hospital)
- b Not physically sick, they just need rest
4 Expectancy
- a Member must understand verbally and non- verbally they are returning to duty
- b Patient is not ill
- c Symptoms are passing reactions
- d Recovery is rapid e Wear of uniform while performing details allows member to maintain self-image/military bearing
5 Proximity
- a Treat as close to home unit as possible
- b Allow unit and friends to visit and offer support
6 Simplicity
- a Keep treatment directed to patient’s return to duty
- b No medications unless necessary and only under doctor’s supervision
(5) Combat Stress Control Management
- (a) Treatable if recognized and treated early
- (b) Principle of reconstruction
1 Phase I – Reconstruction
- a Basic needs/rest
- b Hygiene
- c Food
2 Phase II – Reorientation
- a Stress management
- b Anger control
- c Assertiveness training
- d Relaxation techniques
- e Goal setting
3 Phase III – Reintegration
- a Preparation for return to duty
- b Work assignments in applicable areas
- (c) Individual’s role
- 1 Don't be a loner
- 2 Help others
- 3 Know your limits
- 4 Get at least four hour uninterrupted sleep. Nap when you can
- 5 Eat enough food
- 6 Drink water/stay hydrated
- 7 Good personal hygiene
- 8 Stay active
- (d) Supervisor’s role
- 1 Build esprit de corps
- 2 Build morale before entering combat
- 3 Build strong, cohesive, capable unit
- 4 Assign new troop with older troop
- (e) Medical personnel’s role
- 1 Provide non-threatening environment
- 2 Undisturbed rest
- 3 Nourishing, appetizing meals
- 4 Give patient chance to talk to others who are recovering
- 5 Explain others feel the same way but continue to work
- 6 Help patient build self confidence
- 7 Maintain self image/military bearing by having them wear uniform, not pajamas
- (t) Occupational therapy
- 1 Function: to provide evaluation and treatment of personnel who show a decrease in performance proficiency and combat effectiveness due to stress or other mental health conditions
- 2 During Desert Shield/Storm, teams deployed to combat units to disarm any potential problem situations.
- Given instruction, students will be able to identify facts and principles about combat stress control
- (1) Historical perspective
- (2) Contributing factors
- (3) Stress reactions
- (4) BICEPS principles
- (5) Combat Stress Control Management
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