How do you manage emotions in the Emergency Operations Center?

1 Recognize your triggers

Some events, situations, or people may trigger strong emotional reactions in you, such as anger, frustration, fear, or sadness. These reactions may affect your judgment, communication, and performance. To avoid or reduce these effects, you need to identify your triggers and learn how to cope with them. For example, you can use breathing techniques, positive affirmations, or humor to calm yourself down, or you can seek support from a trusted colleague or supervisor.

2 Communicate effectively

Communication is vital in the EOC, where you have to share information, instructions, and feedback with various stakeholders. To communicate effectively, you need to be clear, concise, and respectful. You also need to listen actively, acknowledge different perspectives, and avoid assumptions or judgments. Communication can help you build trust, rapport, and collaboration with others, as well as prevent or resolve conflicts and misunderstandings.

4 Practice self-care

Working in the EOC can be physically and mentally exhausting, especially during prolonged or intense operations. You may experience fatigue, burnout, or compassion fatigue, which can affect your health, well-being, and performance. To prevent or reduce these effects, you need to practice self-care. Self-care means taking care of your basic needs, such as sleep, nutrition, hydration, and exercise. It also means finding ways to relax, recharge, and enjoy yourself, such as hobbies, hobbies, meditation, or socializing.