This book examines the use of counselling skills in the unique working environment of the emergency services. It looks at the stress and trauma of emergency service work, and draws extensively on the first hand experiences of personnel. The text considers how counselling skills can be employed effectively by emergency service professionals to enable them to fulfil their primary roles. In addition the book discusses the trained use of counselling skills within a formal peer support program and by management.

A major theme throughout the book is the psychological impact of traumatic incidents both on the victims and those involved in their rescue and recovery. This text considers the specific use of counselling skills in response to traumatic incidents, from a professional, ethical and legal perspective. It will be of use to Fire, Police, Accident and Emergency, Ambulance and Security Services and to voluntary emergency services such as The British Red Cross