What type of stress typically occurs in response to an extreme incident?

Critical Incident Stress is a type of stress that arises following exposure to an event that is unusually shocking or traumatic, such as a serious accident, natural disaster, or violent confrontation. This form of stress is characterized by immediate psychological responses that may include feelings of anxiety, confusion, and even disorientation. It is typically experienced by first responders, law enforcement officers, and other individuals who encounter such extreme circumstances in their jobs. The effects of critical incident stress can manifest quickly after the event and may require immediate support or intervention to prevent further psychological impact.

While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a more chronic condition that can develop following a traumatic event, it represents a more prolonged response and requires the onset of specific symptoms over time for a diagnosis. Distress refers to any type of negative stress but does not specifically relate to critical incidents. Chronic stress refers to long-term stress that can result from ongoing situations rather than a singular traumatic event. Therefore, critical incident stress specifically captures the acute response to an extreme incident, making it the correct answer.