First On The Scene: Crisis Intervention in Spiritual Care

Very few books possess practical information, useful theory, compassionate presence, and an exciting and engaging writing style. The Reverend Dr. Donald B. Stouder has written such a book. For nearly 40 years, first as an EMT/Paramedic and then as a Health Care Chaplain, Don has been "first on the scene". For him, it is a complicated term that means many things. Sometimes it has a literal meaning; those times when he has pulled up on a scene of a motor vehicle accident or arrived inside someone's home first on a medical aid call as a first responder; in other settings, it might mean being the first person at the bedside during a Code Blue or trauma admission that is able to provide emotional and spiritual support to the patient and family. Don also uses the term to describe a certain perspective toward leadership, especially in dynamic environments and organizations. It is a strange niche to spend one's career he says, but an incredibly rewarding one given the comfort that can be provided so quickly and effectively. Using the wealth of experience, Don has written a book to address what has been absent for many chaplains especially those new to the field; useful training materials, written specifically for health care chaplains, that address this unique moment in crisis intervention.