Graz in mourning: KIT helps after amoclauf with eleven dead in school

Graz in mourning: KIT helps after amoclauf with eleven dead in school

A tragedy shook Graz on June 11, 2025: In a high school high school, a killing spree occurred, in which eleven people tragically lost their lives. Such an event is not only the relatives of the victims, but also the survivors, the pupils and teachers who are mentally affected. In view of this horror exercise, the crisis intervention team (KIT) of the State of Styria mobilized its extensive expertise for the people affected. According to Kurier , the team was already in use on Tuesday and Wednesday with over 60 volunteers in the Helmut-List-List-Halle.

The crisis intervention aims to offer those affected in the acute phase support. It is not only the number of people looking for help, but also the severity of possible traumatization. Over 400 specially trained volunteers are available to support students, teachers and parents in this difficult time.

important support in times of crisis

The stresses that such trauma brings with it are diverse. Typical reactions can be afraid, stunned, fainting and anger. Different people need different types of support: While some discussions are looking for, others primarily need peace or the community of their classmates. This is where the work of the KIT comes in, which was founded in 1998 after the pit accident of Lassing and has been on call since then.

Especially in the first week, professional support from the crisis intervention team can be decisive to alleviate the psychological stress. The acute phase can take one to three weeks to give those affected the opportunity to process the events. Early support can thus help to avoid serious psychological problems and to develop new coping strategies.

The Bella system of crisis intervention

How the Gesundheits.gv.at describes crisis intervention after a structured process, known as a Bella system. The five steps include building a relationship, the capture of the situation, the relief of the symptoms, the involvement of supporters and finding an approach to coping with problem. This system is intended to ensure that those affected receive support quickly and effectively.

The emergency number for psychosocial acute care in Styria is 130. There, people can quickly request help in crisis situations. In addition to the care of those affected, the KIT also offers psychological support for emergency services who have been confronted with stressful situations, and takes care of the aftercare of the emergency services. This comprehensive support is not only regional, but also scientifically checked and optimized in order to respond to the needs of those affected, as another report on Katastrophenschutz Styria .