What statement about critical incident stress is true?

Untreated stress can indeed lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), making this statement true. Critical incident stress refers to the psychological and emotional reactions that individuals may experience following exposure to traumatic events. If these reactions are left unaddressed, they can evolve into more severe mental health issues, such as PTSD. This highlights the importance of timely intervention and support for responders to help mitigate the long-term consequences of trauma exposure.

In the context of the other statements, the assertion that critical incident stress only affects a small number of responders undermines the pervasive impact that such stress can have across the emergency service community. Many responders are likely to experience varying degrees of stress, and it is crucial to recognize that it can affect a significant portion of individuals in high-stress professions. Additionally, the claim that critical incident stress has no lasting effects on responders overlooks the reality that, for many, the psychological impacts can persist if not effectively managed. Lastly, suggesting that critical incident stress is easily managed with standard techniques does not accurately reflect the complexity of trauma responses, which often require tailored support and interventions beyond basic methods.