What is one example of a critical incident?

A critical incident is typically defined as an event that has a significant emotional impact on individuals or groups, often requiring a response due to its seriousness. The sudden death of a fellow worker exemplifies this concept as it can profoundly affect coworkers, creating feelings of grief, shock, and confusion. This incident may disrupt the workplace environment and necessitate support and counseling to help employees cope with the emotional aftermath.

In contrast, a minor car accident, while potentially distressing, typically does not carry the same level of significance or impact on a group or organization. A medical call without complications may be routine and doesn't evoke the critical nature associated with significant emotional events. Similarly, a scheduled training session is pre-planned and does not inherently involve an unexpected or traumatic occurrence. Thus, the sudden death of a coworker stands out as a critical incident due to its potential to affect many individuals and the necessity for management and support systems to address the event's impact.