AIRS Crisis Intervention Strategies 4

Question 1

An I&R specialist begins to feel numb, irritable, and preoccupied with callers' traumatic stories. This is MOST likely:

Accepted Answer

Vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue

Answer

Repeated exposure to others' trauma can cause vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue, which needs self-care and supervisory support.

Question 2

A caller discloses that a neighbor's young child is being physically abused. What is the I&R specialist's PRIMARY obligation?

Accepted Answer

Follow agency policy and state mandated reporting laws, including referral to or contacting child protective services

Answer

Suspected child abuse is a recognized exception to confidentiality and triggers reporting under policy and law.

Question 3

In domestic violence crisis calls, which question should be asked EARLY in the call?

Accepted Answer

'Is it safe for you to talk right now?'

Answer

Confirming that the caller can talk safely protects them from an abuser who may be nearby or monitoring.

Question 4

A caller's speech is slurred and they say they took 'a bunch of pills' 20 minutes ago but now want to sleep. What is the BEST action?

Accepted Answer

Treat this as a medical emergency and initiate emergency response per protocol

Answer

A suicide attempt in progress requires immediate emergency medical intervention.

Question 5

Which approach BEST demonstrates cultural humility during a crisis call?

Accepted Answer

Asking respectfully about the caller's preferences, beliefs, and support systems rather than assuming

Answer

Cultural humility means staying curious and letting the caller define what is meaningful and helpful to them.

AIRS - Alliance of Information and Referral Systems Certification Practice Test