Republic of the Philippines

Department of the Interior and Local Government

BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION
REGIONAL OFFICE 5
2/F., ANST Building, F. Aquende Drive, Old Albay District, Legazpi City

OPLAN O
O.S.C.A.R
OPERATIONAL STRESS CONTROL AND RECOVERY FOR RESPONDERS
A Standard OSCAR
AR Guide for Deployment of Troops to Emergencies:
BFP R5 Support & Care Before, During and After Deployments
in Disaster AffectedAreas.
Enclosure

: 1. OSCAR / Psychological First Aid Standard Guide for BFP R5

2. OSCAR / Psychosocial Team Composition
3. What to Do and What Not to Say When Providing PFA

I. Purpose.
To establish guidance and set policy for the implementation of the
Operational Stress Control and transition-phaseRecovery(OSCAR)) throughout the
Bureau of Fire ProtectionCommand and the public requiring psychosocial first aid
intervention.
II. Background.The task is to organize a psychosocial team to provide and assess
mental health for effective deployment from beginning to end. Recovery during
deployment regardless of ranks are provided with innovative approaches tailortailor fit to
cover and provide support through
throughout the entire deployment cycle with integrative
int
approach conscious of operational stress control factors.
III. Scope. The intent of this instruction is to standardize process, and implementation
of the OSCAR.. To ensure a comprehensive OSC
OSCAR Program, this instruction outlines
the requirements necessary to prepare and support during the entire range of
deployment operations.
IV. Program. All BFP R5 subordinate units shall provide the following deliverables as a
basic requirement. Fire marshal
marshals
s shall add to this program through creativeness,
creative
specifically the introduction of subject matter experts.
a. Fire Marshals Intent and Concept of Operations. All fire marshals will use
the following phased of concept of operations, correlating with the BFP
BF Regional
Offices to support and prepare the transition of responders to and from deployment.
(1) Phase I : Pre
Pre-Deployment Preparations

Prepared by:FO1 JonamEsron D Baluyo&SFO3 AramisAristhedes

Aristhedes A Balde, Chief, Regional IIB , December 5, 2013

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a. Goal: To prepare, equip and educate for effective personal

readiness in preparation for a prolonged deployment.
b. Operational Stress Course. All Officers and key personnel (nonOfficer) will receive instruction on operational stress in order to be
aware of the potential impact on personnel and become familiar
with warning signs and resources. This course can be taught by the
Regional Psychosocial Team who received training from the
Department of Health (DOH-CHD 5).
(2) Phase II : Resiliency Training
a. Goal: To provide responders with effective tools in personal
readiness and OSCAR.
b. Psychological First Aid. This course is self-care and buddy-care will
be given to all responders prior to deployment. Psychological First
Aid is a sanctioned program development via outside professional
resources (DOH).
(3) Phase III : Integrated Phase
a. Family Operational Orientation. Family orientation shall be
conducted by the respective personnel 30 days before deployment
; or by the fire marshal through a family get-together within 30 days
of deployment where update on the deployment or operational brief
will provide familiarization to the deployment or mission.
b. Pre-Deployment Health Assessment. Health monitoring of all
responders shall be conducted 30 days before deployment date.
(4) Phase IV : Sustainment and Support
a. Timing : During Deployment
b. Goal: To provide ongoing support, offer assistance and strengthen
the quality of care given to the responders.
c. Responders Support. All deployed personnel health and
deployment stress level shall periodically be monitored by a
medical personnel or medical station at the deployment site.
d. Family Support. Fire marshals of the deployed units shall provide
periodic updates to ensure families are kept abreast of
developments and are assured of continues BFP Support. Family

Prepared by:FO1 JonamEsron D Baluyo&SFO3 AramisAristhedes A Balde, Chief, Regional IIB , December 5, 2013

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Readiness Officer / Team (FRO/T) is encouraged in every station to

monitor and provide update to the families of deployed personnel.
(5) Phase V : Re-deployment Preparations
a. Timing: Upon completion / return of responders
b. Goal: Provide a smooth transition between deployment and returnto-unit by giving reasonable period of rest and relaxation, time for
safety briefs and counseling / referral in one convenient
decompressed environment.
c. Responders Rest and Relaxation. At the RDs discretion, a
minimum three days (3) days will be set aside, to be planned at the
unit debarkation site (BFP Regional Office or OPFM) or other
designated area to facilitate mental and physical decompression.
This period gives theresponders time to catch-on sleep, assimilate
the change in environment and OPTEMPO and begin the reflection
process.
d. Responders Transition Briefs. All responders are subject to the
standardized Responders Transition Briefs by the Regional
Psychosocial Team. It is imperative that they get a day of
relaxation prior to starting the briefs and that the process is not
infringed upon by outside requirements such as logistical and
administrative matters. The briefs are designed for small interactive
groups, so ample time must be dedicated to this purpose and
administered by the Regional Psychosocial Team trained at the
debarkation point. Team leaders or commanders may receive
additional mental and medical
health support when required.
e. Safety Briefs. Responders will receive appropriate briefings on the
following matters prior to redeployment from their debarkation site
(relaxed environment): Drinking and Driving, Return and Reunion,
Domestic Violence, Suicide Prevention, Motorcycle Safety and
Personal Safety.
(6) Phase VI: Immediate Post Deployment.
a. Timing: First 30 days after return to unit or home.
b. Goal: Give responders a tangible act of gratitude for their service by
affording them some personal time.
c. Liberty. A liberty period of up to 96 hours upon return is
recommended, not to conflict with existing regulations and limits on
Prepared by:FO1 JonamEsron D Baluyo&SFO3 AramisAristhedes A Balde, Chief, Regional IIB , December 5, 2013

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liberty. This allows responders to reintegrate with the local

environment, engage in social activities and decompress further in
a short period of time. Extreme behaviors often manifests upon
return from this leave period.
d. Post Deployment Psychological First Aid (PFA). All responders
fresh from deployment after the debarkation at the BFP Regional
Office will undergo post deployment psychological de-briefing to be
conducted by the Regional Psychosocial Team.
e. Post Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA). Fire Marshals will
ensure all responders returning from a deployment complete a
PDHA within the required 30 day period as per reference (e).
f. Leave. A period of block leave for the unit is recommended
immediately following completion of administrative and logistical
requirements. This is imperative for all units involved, as it serves
as crucial period for healthy transition and reintegration.
(7) Phase VII. Post Deployment After Care.
a. Timing: Approximately 90 days upon return from deployment.
b. Goal: To monitor reintegration of returning responders and provide
refresher education on services and referral resources.
c. OSCAR Refresher. All personnel should receive an OSCAR
refresher reviewing signs of Operational Stress, resources and
referrals by EMS personnel who are professionally trained on PFA.
b. Coordination. Per reference (c), all EMS Units and trained personnel will
coordinate all efforts to ensure reserve components (standby units) receive the same
level of attention and follow through support as active duty components via an
aggressive process of coordination and collaboration.
V. Responsibilities.
Function

Responsibility

Comments

Operational Stress Control

&Recovery (OSCAR)

Regional Director through the

Regional Operation Officer
Fire Marshals

Standardized PFA
Guide

Psychosocial Intervention
for Disaster Managers /
Leaders (Marshals)

Regional Director through the

Regional Operation Officer

Yearly conduct
officiated by
DOH-CHD V

Prepared by:FO1 JonamEsron D Baluyo&SFO3 AramisAristhedes A Balde, Chief, Regional IIB , December 5, 2013

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Psychological First Aid

Regional PFA Team

Family Readiness

EMS or any Family Readiness

Officer or Team Designate

Responders Transition
Brief

Regional PFA Team

Safety Briefs

Fire Marshal or OPFM

Operation Officers

Post Deployment Health

Assessment (PDHA)

EMS / Medical Personnel

Operational Stress Control

&Recovery for standby
responders

Regional PFA Team

DOH Certified
Provide periodic update
deployment to families
not limited to familyorientation gathering.
DOH and other related
institution certified
Drinking and driving,
Domestic violence,
personal safety,
motorcycle safety
Medical personnel are
required to collect data
but fire marshals will be
responsible for meeting
deadlines per reference
(e. Leave)
Standardized PFA
Guide

VI. Implementation.The standards established above will be adhered to by all

deploying members and are recognized as the program standard. Implementation may
differ in situational circumstances.
VII. Effective Date. These policies will be in effect upon approval of the Director or his
representative as the case maybe and will be in effect until revised, superseded, or
terminated. All matters pertaining to OSCT shall be directed to Regional EMDS at 4815013.

LORENZO D RELLOSA, JR, MPA

SUPT
(DSC)
BFP
OIC, Regional Director

Date: ______________________

Prepared by:FO1 JonamEsron D Baluyo&SFO3 AramisAristhedes A Balde, Chief, Regional IIB , December 5, 2013

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Enclosure 1
OSCAR / PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID STANDARD GUIDE
FOR BFP R5
Contact and Engagement
1. Introduce yourself with your name, title and a description of your role.
2. Have participants in a circle or classroom type formation as appropriate
3. Prayer invocation by a chaplain, priest or religious program specialist (RPS).
Use the OratioImperata in the absence of an RPS.
4. Breathing technique from responding to crisis
5. Self-connectivity exercises ( close eyes)
Safety and Comfort (What to do and What not to say)
1. Identify name and specific function
2. Identify team mate whose performance he / she admired
3. Tailor discussion.
Focus the discussion on problem-solving and applying coping strategies to
immediate issues.
Do not let discussions about concerns lapse into speculation or complaints.
Stabilizing Emotions, PFA Core functions say do not interrupt conversation,
but it is necessary to help him/her focus. Control the session, use the
following question guides:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Describe specific role or roles

What was the response feeling?
First thought after rescue or retrieval /_______operation was over?
If we were your family, what will you tell us?
What do you want others to know you did well on the scene/ site?
Reaction to conflict or conflicts?

Think of things or word leading to funny episodes at sites.

Breathing technique from responding to crisis
Self-connectivity exercises ( close eyes)
Closing prayer

Practical Assistance

If an individual needs further support, offer to meet with him/her after the group
discussion.

Prepared by:FO1 JonamEsron D Baluyo&SFO3 AramisAristhedes A Balde, Chief, Regional IIB , December 5, 2013

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Delivering Psychological First Aid

Professional Behavior
Be visible and available.
Model healthy responses; be calm, courteous, organized and helpful.
Remain within the scope of your expertise and your designated role.
Maintain confidentiality as appropriate.
Make appropriate referrals when additional expertise is needed or requested.
Be knowledgeable and sensitive to issues of culture and diversity.
Pay attention to your own emotional and physical reactions, and practice selfcare.
General Guidelines

Initiate contact only after you have observed the situation and have determined
that contact is not likely to be intrusive or disruptive.
Politely observe first -- dont intrude. Then ask simple, respectful questions to
determine how you may help.
Often, the best way to make contact is to provide practical assistance (e.g., food,
water, blankets).
Keep in mind that your main goals are to provide a caring presence and help to
connect individuals to resources.
Be prepared for the possibility that individuals who have experienced a traumatic
event or crisis may either avoid you or flood you with concerns or requests for
assistance.
Speak calmly. Be patient, responsive and sensitive.
Speak slowly; in simple terms do not use acronyms or jargon.
If an individual wants to talk, be prepared to listen. When you listen, focus on
hearing what it is he or she wants you to understand.
Acknowledge the positive steps that the individual has taken to keep safe.
Provide information that directly addresses the individuals immediate goals and
clarify your message as needed.
Provide information that is accurate and appropriate for your audience.
When communicating through an interpreter, look at and talk to the person you
are addressing, not the interpreter.
Remember that the purpose of Psychological First Aid is to reduce distress, assist
with needs and promote adaptive functioning. It is not to elicit details of traumatic
experiences and losses.

Behaviors to Avoid

Do not make assumptions about what individuals have experienced or are feeling.
Do not assume that everyone exposed to a traumatic event will display signs of
trauma; people experience trauma in different ways.

Prepared by:FO1 JonamEsron D Baluyo&SFO3 AramisAristhedes A Balde, Chief, Regional IIB , December 5, 2013

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Do not pathologize. Most reactions to traumatic events are expectable and

understandable.
Do not label reactions as symptoms, or speak in terms of diagnoses, conditions,
pathologies or disorders.
Do not assume that all individuals who have experienced a crisis or traumatic
event want to talk or need to talk. Often, the fact that you are present in a
supportive and calm way helps affected people feel safer and more able to cope.
Do not talk down or patronize. Do not focus on helplessness, weakness, mistakes
or disability. Focus instead on what the person has done that is effective or may
have contributed to helping others in need, both during and after the traumatic
event.
Do not attempt to conduct group or individual therapy activities that may be
particularly tempting for responders who are mental health professionals.
Do not ask for details of what happened.
Do not speculate or offer possibly inaccurate information. If you cannot answer a
question, do your best to learn the facts.

Prepared by:FO1 JonamEsron D Baluyo&SFO3 AramisAristhedes A Balde, Chief, Regional IIB , December 5, 2013

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Enclosure 2
OSCAR / PSYCHOSOCIAL TEAM COMPOSITION

Regional Office

CINSP REYLITO S ESPIRITU, DPCOM

Officer-In-Charge ARDO
Concurrent Regional Operation Officer
Community/ Family Medicine & Counseling
Sub-Public Health Emergency In Asia & the Pacific
SFO3 Aramis Aristhedes A Balde
Chief, Regional Intelligence & Investigation Branch
Psychological First Aid,
Assuring Cultural Competence in Disaster Response,
Disaster Behavioral First Aid Specialist Training,
Understanding Compassion Fatigue,
Sub-Public Health Emergency In Asia & the Pacific
Overview of Public Health Implications
SFO2 Emma Theresa R Velarde, RN
Chief, Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Psychological First Aid
SFO2 Jannette A Alcantara, RN
Deputy Chief, Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS)
Psychological First Aid
FO1 Michelle O Rojas, DMD
Chief, Regional Dental Section (RDS)
Psychological First Aid

Albay

FO1 Ramon S Quiapon

Chief, Municipal Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Psychological First Aid

Camarines Sur

INSP JOSEPHINE JEANETTE C BARANDON

C, Provincial Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Psychological First Aid

Camarines Norte -

FO1 Reynan M Sumalabe

Chief, Provincial Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Psychological First Aid

Sorsogon

INSP FRANZ DOMINIQUE F BADONG

Deputy Fire Marshal, Sorsogon City
Psychological First Aid

Prepared by:FO1 JonamEsron D Baluyo&SFO3 AramisAristhedes A Balde, Chief, Regional IIB , December 5, 2013

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Enclosure 3
What to Do and What Not to Say When Providing Psychological First Aid
Individuals or groups who have experienced a traumatic event or large-scale
crisis will benefit from your support when you do and say the right things.
Do these things:

Reassure grieving individuals that what they are experiencing is expectable and
understandable

Use the deceased persons name rather than saying the deceased

Let them know that they may continue to experience periods of sadness,
loneliness or anger , and that these reactions are normal

Tell them if they continue to experience feelings of grief or depression after
several weeks, they may find it helpful to talk about it

Tell them that their Admin Office can refer them to counseling services like the
DOH.
Dont Say these things:

I know how you feel.

It was probably for the best.
He is better off now.
It was her time to go.
At least he went quickly.
Lets talk about something else.
You should try to get over this.
You should be glad he passed quickly.
That which doesnt kill, makes us stronger.
Youll feel better soon.
If could be worse; you still have a brother/ sister/mother/father.
Everything happens for the best according to a higher plan.
We are not given more than we can bear.
Someday you will have an answer.
You did everything you could.
You need to grieve.
You need to relax.
Its good that you are alive.
Its good that no one else died.

Prepared by:FO1 JonamEsron D Baluyo&SFO3 AramisAristhedes A Balde, Chief, Regional IIB , December 5, 2013

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