Instructions

Start the huddle by reviewing the definition of moral distress. Then, choose one scenario, read it aloud, and use the guiding questions to discuss wildfires and moral distress.

Definition

Moral distress is when one feels as though they should take a certain action but cannot due to the restraints of the situation.

Learning outcomes

After this huddle, staff should be able to:

• Recognize what feelings they might experience during a wildfire crisis event.
• Identify signs and symptoms of stress they might experience during a wildfire crisis event.
• List ways to navigate through the feelings they might experience during a wildfire crisis event.
• List ways to prepare for wildfires.

Guiding questions

• What feelings might you experience during the wildfire crisis event in your scenario?
• What signs and symptoms or warning signs of stress might you experience?
• Are the above feelings and signs and symptoms normal?
• How can you help navigate these feelings and signs and symptoms?

Scenario A

A wildfire is near the care home where you work. While your area is not required to evacuate, you have been asked to assist in evacuating 15 residents from a care home 45-minutes away. You and one of your co-workers take your bus to collect the residents, along with two staff­ members of the care home being evacuated. As you arrive back at your care home, the residents seem confused and begin to panic. The two sta­ff members, from the other care home, have just found out they need to leave to evacuate their own houses.

Scenario B

You live in an evacuation zone and must leave immediately. You are prepared and have a safe place to stay with friends. You have several home care clients in the same area who will also need to evacuate. You are unable to contact them and are uncertain if they are safe.