Crisis or Emergency Calls

available for emergency calls on very short notice, it is necessary to know where he can be contacted at all times. The best way to accomplish this is to continually update the master locator board (fig. 3-2). A small piece of Plexiglas and a grease pencil can be used for this purpose. File of Referral Sources Navy members and their dependents who are experiencing difficulties may not always turn immediately to the office of the chaplain for assistance. As a result, a problem may be quite serious and the aid of certain professionals may be necessary by the time the chaplain is contacted. A locator file of referral agencies should be main- tained by the RP. These agencies may include the American Red Cross, fire and police departments, base or area medical facilities, local churches and members of the clergy, the poison control center, and the local crisis “hotline.” The RP should review and expand this file of referral sources on a continuing basis. The chaplain may direct the RP to assist in making a referral for visitors to the office. Crisis or Emergency Calls Since handling emergencies may be a part of the RP’s routine, the ability to work calmly under pressure is an important qualification. A visitor or caller who is upset may become even more so if the RP appears nervous or hesitant. However, the RP who makes the visitor or caller feel at ease and welcome may help the person approach the problem more rationally. Teaching subordinates to work calmly under pressure is part of per- sonnel management. The leading RP can offer guidance regarding the following basic procedures: 1. Act in a caring and courteous manner toward a caller or visitor experiencing a crisis 2. Alert the chaplain or co-workers when dealing with a possible suicide attempt, bomb threat, or other similar emergency 3. Know the location of the chaplain at all times and be able to make contact quickly Office Files Detailed information pertaining to maintain- ing the Command Religious Program (CRP) files and records can be found in chapter 3 of RP 3 & 2, module 3, Administration, NAVEDTRA 287-03-45-83. NAVAL DIRECTIVES In order to standardize policy and regulate operations, the Navy has developed directives and Figure 3-2.—Locator board. 3-6