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TacticalTraumaSelfCareTrainingTTSCT|
Tactical Trauma Self Care Training TTSCT
A whole NEW kind of survival training.
TTSCT focuses on developing skill sets for personnel to counter cumulative,
operational and traumatic stress BEFORE it escalates to high level anxiety
states such as PTSD.
The mandate of the TTSCT program is to develop and deliver results-driven
training which will;
• Reduce symptoms associatedwith high anxiety,
• Reduce recovery time,
• Create transfer of knowledge and skill opportunities influencing
resiliencylevels throughout military, security, law enforcement and
emergencyresponse demographics as well as NGO personnel and
others who work in conflict zones.
Basic Philosophy – Personnel must have dial down strategies prior
to high stress events and have integrated these strategies
into their performance-oriented routines
as they would physical development strategies
such as weight training. Resiliency-oriented strategies are
performance enhancers and must be treated
as seriously as physical fitness or
knowing how to use weapons systems.
TTSCT is based on gap analysis of existing programming with a foundation in
simple to use, simple to teach, core skill development that is compatible with
all existing resiliency-based programming. Howwell someone overcomes
trauma has less to do with the event then with that individual’s core beliefs
about themselves and prior training. TTSCT is foundational training.
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TacticalTraumaSelfCareTrainingTTSCT|
TTSCT is pre-event, core skill development, all personnel levels/ranks with no
specialists. Standardizing is not a realistic approach in Combat Stress as
each person has a different threshold, perceives events differently, and will
react differently to various stimuli. Basic core skill development that can be
easilypassed on is essential.
TTSCT is not intended to equip non-medics to manage psychological
aftermath of a traumatic incident or series of incidents. It will not cover;
incident site management, planning for personnel needs after an event, how
to conduct risk assessment interviews, psycho-educational briefings or critical
incident debriefings. It will not isolate and train specific members of units as
mastertrainers but will encourage every memberto use simple techniques
shared by their peers.
TTSCT will not teach to PTSD exclusively, but includes the wider Combat
Stress Spectrum experience. TTSCT will reduce the stigmaaround traumatic
stress by not framing it as mental illness, but as a recognizedcomponent of
operational realities.
TTSCT offers a deep dive approach required to understand and integrate the
protocols needed to make visualizationprocesses currently used in military
resiliencyprograms such as R2MR (Canadian Army) achieve the outcomes
possible and necessary for performance enhancement and recovery.
The TTSCT program was first piloted with security personnel, serving Canadian
Forces personnel, therapists, and security instructors in Canada. Further
development of TTSCT course was carried out in United Kingdom with security
contracting personnel, militaryveterans and veteran's counselling teams.
TTSCT was piloted in United States to audience of fire services, law
enforcement at municipal and state levels, emergencymanagement
directors, and active militarypersonnel.
“I strongly recommend this training. It can help you heal and strengthen your inner armour
so that your outer armour can protect you more efficiently.”
Angelo Marino, President, Canadian Tactical Training Academy
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TacticalTraumaSelfCareTrainingTTSCT|
TTSCT is delivered in a two day training (Section1-4) or
as an intensive 5 day, small group leadershipcourse.
SectionOne – Illness within the body creates its own anxiety loops that can
present as PTSD-like symptoms. Most disease is preventable and with simple
strategies, personnel can regain their health and eliminate these symptoms.
SectionTwo – Mindfulness training is imperative as skill development to
decrease the effects of negative self talk, intrusive thoughts and regain a
positive sense of self. This is critical as the core symptoms of PTSD are
intrusive thoughts. Mental anxiety loops must be broken and positive
momentum created.
SectionThree – Recovery Strategies; Understanding Combat Stress as a
spectrum of behaviours, the phases of trauma recovery and what is required
for success recovery from trauma. Break trauma induced anxiety loops.
SectionFour – Operational stress is the result of operational realities such as
tempo as well as mistakes. Learning improved leadershipstrategies, discuss
joint operation realities and how to create more successful operations.
Mitigate operational level stressors. Break systemic anxiety loops.
SectionFive covers The Big 4; Anger, Addictions, Betrayal by Leadership,
Death and Loss. These issues are the most consistent across all conflicts
historicallyand do the most damage to personnel morale, emotional and
mental well-being. Learn strategies to defuse, redirect, make better health
choices, use schematics to dial down, understand and implement behavioural
change.
SectionSix covers Transitioning. This is one of the most challenging aspects
of the Combat Stress; Transitioning between phases of trauma recovery,
between the "fight" and "home", within operations and exiting the service
where personnel need to have strategies to make transitions successfully.
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TacticalTraumaSelfCareTrainingTTSCT|
“What a difference a day makes.” Simon, Contractor, former UK military 24 yrs.
In consultationwith liaisonofficers from departments, agencies, companies,
academies, etc., each TTSCT course will be modified to meet the needs of
each intake group.
Industry Expectations;
• Conduct successful operations using well trained operatives who
perform well in high stress environments,
• To provide support to personnel leading to reduction of negative effects
of working in high stress environments.
Students who complete this course will gain a comprehensive understanding
of the following:
• The Combat Stress Spectrum and its implications foroperational
effectiveness
• Strategies to maintainoptimal operational effectiveness
• Knowledge and skills whichare transferable and simple to integrate
into operational practices
Maximum Enrollment for leadershipcourse.
• 50 students. This allows each student to participate in class discussions
and scenarios, while ensuring all students listen to and benefit from
varying viewpoints. This is especiallyvaluable in a mixed discipline
group and adds to the overall experience.
Large group can be between 50-300 participants.
Participants may come from an security oriented sector including the military,
law enforcement, emergencyresponse and private contracting
personnel.
.
Training Strategies include mainconcepts, connections to existing learning
and vocabulary/key terms deployed through a four step lessondesign;
• Direct Instruction
• Guided Discovery/Rehearsal
• Discussionand Correction
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• Evaluation
Instruction Bio – Angela C. Benedict, B.A., B.Ed,
Designer of the TTSCT program, trainer, trauma recovery specialist.
Instructor Needs; facilities to include;
• white board/black board
• power point projector
• seating with tables/chairs for full cohort
• open area adjacent to teaching room for group activities
• first aid kit/supplies onsite
• copy of emergencyplan for facilities
• drinking water onsite
Each student is required to bring to training;
• journal and pen
• one item that represents “HOME” to them ie: a favourite shirt, kids toy
etc. * one item that represents “ The FIGHT” to them ie: tactical vest,
uniform shirt *
• clothing appropriate for group dinner – no jeans
• items for company/project promotions table ie: business cards, flyers,
prototypes to promote what participants are working on with their
department/agency etc. that they would like to share with the group.
Asterisked* items are only required for SectionSix – Transitioning.
NOTE: Cancellationrefund only for military, (must present militaryorders),
emergencyduty for officers (must provide confirmationin writing from
supervising officer). All active duty personnel attend training under the
assumptionthat they can be calledback to duty for an emergencysituation.
Bearing this in mind, officers who are required to carry firearms will do so with
the utmost caution and discretionand if need be must make their own
arrangements for the securing of weapons during training.
“This is the right course to teach to prepare personnel to learn how to effectively deal with
cumulative and acute stress." Robert D. Jenkins. MAJ, MI, NJARNG, US military
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TacticalTraumaSelfCareTrainingTTSCT|
Q: Will the skills I learn in this course transfer to other jobs?
A: Yes. Participants will have shown aptitude in the following transferable
skills;
• recognize the need to asses
• demonstrate skill in using simple stress reduction techniques
• develop confidence in voicing concerns, and emotionallybased
experiences
• collaborate with others across disciplines to find practical solutions in
various scenarios
• develop confidence working within groups
• develop confidence speaking within groups
• develop strategies to maintain healthy expectations
• develop emotional intelligence and leadership
Q: How will I discuss this course with my colleagues when I return to work?
A: Participants will be provided with handouts and will be encouraged
throughout the course to articulate their learning knowing that they will be
required to provide a debriefing when they return to work. For any additional
informationthat is required participants are encouraged to work with their
instructor to ensure they feel confident and prepared to do so.
Q: I am an experiencedofficer. Will I learn anything new in this course?
A: Yes. The informationpresented is done so in an engaging way with
opportunities for growth, discussion, team building, and new ways to ensure
survivability. Participants often state they wish they had had this specific,
candid training when they were in the academy/basic training.
Other questions contact benedian1@gmail.com
“Ms. Benedict has her unique way to explain things to people. She has a gift in regard to
making people feel comfortable around her.” Cpl. Eric Dagnais, MP, Canadian Forces
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“Through her use of visualization as well as various other techniques, Ms. Benedict is able
to effortlessly create an atmosphere which speaks to all aspects of who we are. This work
is profound.” Mark C, Assistant Director of Operations. S.S. I. S., Canada
