b'Getting Started: Developing Postvention ProtocolsEstablishing a set of protocols and having a plan in place before a suicide occurs will help to ensure a prompt, appropriate, and effective response. Because workplaces should treat all employee deaths within the same framework, any new plans that result from this toolkit could be integrated into existing crisis response protocols to ensure a safe and cohesive response. Creating a Crisis Response TeamCreating a Crisis Response Team (CRT) in the workplace can be a vital part of suicide postvention strategies. A CRT is a group of trained individuals who provide support and resources to employees after a suicide has occurred. This team is responsible for implementing elements of the organizations crisis response plan and carries out the key components of suicide postvention. It is most effective for workplaces to have an identified CRT and ready to respond to a crisis before one occurs. Depending on the size of the workplace, the CRT should have 5 or 6 people, but no more than 15. Team members should be made up of a diverse group of individuals who have different roles within the organization, chosen for their skills, credentials, and ability to work compassionately and effectively under pressure with all members of the organizations community. Selecting the team leader and members can be accomplished in several ways, but ideally, the team would include several key individuals, such as executive leadership, senior management, representatives from human resources (HR), legal, communications/public relations, information technology (IT), and mental health professionals. If mental health professionals are notpart of the organizational structure, consider including an external mental health professional or an expert in suicide postvention as part of your CRT or as a consultant. They can provide essential guidance and resources (see External Support section). The team should have the ability to work with the diversity of staff and familiesrepresented by the organization.Crisis Response Team RolesClearly outline each CRT members role and responsibilities.Suggested CRT roles include:Team Coordinator The team coordinator is a critical role that has overall responsibility throughout the crisis and serves as the central point of contact. The team coordinator monitors overall postvention activities throughout the workplace and handles internal and external communications. Depending on the needs of the workplaceand its CRT, the team coordinator may find it helpful to designate a mental health professional to serve asan assistant coordinator for the team. This role can assist with coordinating communication among staff, sharingupdates with CRT members, and working with the human resources and/or people and culture teams, employee resource groups, and the Employee Assistance Program to support staff in need of assistance. Back-up Coordinator A back-up coordinator can be assigned by the team coordinator for times when the coordinator is not available.After A Suicide | Postvention Toolkit For Workplaces 2'