Abstract
Critical incidents (CI) are events that trigger a series of other incidents resulting in a disaster situation, unless a security system takes place in order to avoid or minimize it. This article presents an experience reported by a group of psychologists responsible for a specific CI: the fire occurred at Kiss nightclub in Santa Maria/RS in 2013, that resulted in the death of 242 people and left many others injured. The objective of this text is to describe and analyze the psychosocial support and mental health strategy elaborated during that event. First, the article shows how Santa Maria´s public mental health network was set at the time of the event. Then, it lists and analyzes the measures adopted in the first 24 hours after the CI. Finally, it discusses the strategy created for the following weeks and months. Data from the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and the National System of Protection and Civil Defense were also used, in order to assist the intervention analysis. The activities proposed at the time not only appeared to be in agreement with the minimum psychosocial needs of the target population, but also aligned with national and international guidelines, that value articulated and sustainable, short and midterm strategies, capable of contributing with the well-being of the citizens.
Crisis Intervention; Mental Health Services; Public Health; Psychosocial Intervention