"In the Spotlight:"

EMDR and Critical Incident Stress Management Services at Netcare - Testimonial

During August 2004, I was assigned to a “Crimes Against Persons Unit” for the Sheriff’s Office in Columbus, Ohio. I had the seniority of 23 years and thought I had seen plenty. My assignment of Violent Crimes against Persons included Homicide. During August 2004, I was “fortunate” to investigate four DOAs over a 5 day period. While that doesn’t seem like many, these four were decomposed, and with each case, patrol officers responded and called for an investigator. These 4 bodies were located throughout our county. There were no similarities in these crimes, just pure coincidence. Extensive evidence collection with each scene made certain we were at the crime scene for prolonged periods with each body. (I tell that portion only to give the audience an idea how long we were in each scene). As an investigator, we photographed and documented any potential evidence collected from each scene.

In August, we typically lack sufficient precipitation and the average heat is approximately 85 to 90 degrees. On Friday, the 4th body was found, and we were “very fortunate” to have an outside scene. As usual we photographed the scene, collected potential evidence and waited for the coroner’s office transport vehicle.

The smell of decomposing bodies is a unique smell, to say the least. Of course, we were senior officers and did not call the fire department for their self contained breathing apparatus. We cleared the scene and made the appropriate death notification. After a couple of hours later, I was able to go home. Due to the late hour, I wasn’t hungry and showered and went to bed. I was unable to sleep, and just figured that was due to an over active mind, remembering that there were four separate investigations being investigated simultaneously. Throughout the day on Saturday, I was able to interact with my family, but noticed the smell. I was unable to shake the scenes or smell from memory.

Saturday became Sunday then into Monday. I do not recall any cat naps, but it is certainly possible. Monday morning brought the third day without sleep and I called our team’s mental health professional, Kay.

I briefly gave her the explanation of the events, and my symptoms. We agreed to start meeting at noon that same day. Kay talked to me and we decided that EMDR would be an excellent tool to use. As I recall, we used several different tools and concluded after 1 session, partly due to being receptive to the intervention and recognizing that the problem was deeper than I knew I can handle. As with any intervention, follow-up is continual and mandatory.

After the session, I no longer re-experienced the picture or smells from the scene. I could interact with family and work assignments without interference from the smell or thoughts of the scene.

While Kay will discuss the proper procedure for EMDR, I want to drive home one point about this intervention. PEERS have to recognize their limitations, and that further interventions are possible and a referral should be made. We should all remind ourselves that as trained peers, we must be cognizant of the tools in our toolbox, and in my situation, EMDR, in the hands of a well trained, well respected Mental Health Professional, was a life saver that day. While I was not homicidal or suicidal, my quality of life definitely suffered until EMDR was incorporated. It is my belief that I would have recovered at a much later date; but EMDR expedited my return to a functional father, husband and investigator, to conduct investigations with thoroughness and care that same evening.

David Conley, Retired Deputy Sheriff
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Working for the State FOP of Ohio

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