TRANSCENDENT PSYCHOLOGY

Emergency Protocols

Safety Guidelines for Transcendent Psychology Retreats

Introduction

The purpose of this protocol is to provide a clear and accessible guide for facilitators, assistants, and participants to recognize, respond to, and prevent emergencies that may occur during plant medicine ceremonies or deep therapeutic processes.

This guide is adapted from the ICEERS AyaSafe Emergency Protocols, integrating both Western first-aid standards and trauma-informed psychological care.

Our approach prioritizes presence, prevention, and professionalism, ensuring that participants feel secure throughout their experience.

1. Principles of Safety and Prevention

1.1 Awareness Before Action

The best way to handle an emergency is to prevent it.

Safety begins with:

1.2 Team Responsibility

Each retreat includes:

1.3 Emergency Readiness

We ensure:

2. Preventive Measures

Before the Ceremony

During the Ceremony

After the Ceremony

3. Common Emergency Scenarios and Protocols

Below are the most frequent situations and how to respond safely.

These guidelines summarize the original ICEERS recommendations while adapting them for retreat environments.

3.1 Fainting (Syncope)

Symptoms: sudden loss of consciousness, weak pulse, pale face.

Causes: low blood pressure, dehydration, exhaustion, emotional release.

Protocol:

  1. Lay the person on their side, legs slightly elevated.
  2. Ensure the airway is open — remove any obstruction or tight clothing.
  3. Observe breathing and pulse.
  4. If breathing normally, allow them to rest until consciousness returns.
  5. If no response within 5 minutes or breathing is irregular, call emergency services.
  6. Once awake, keep them hydrated and calm.

⚠️ Never give water or food while unconscious.

3.2 Seizure or Convulsion (Epileptic Crisis)

Symptoms: involuntary muscle contractions, foaming, loss of consciousness.

Protocol:

  1. Stay calm — do not restrain the person.
  2. Clear the area of objects that could cause injury.
  3. Place a soft item (blanket, jacket) under the head.
  4. Do not insert anything into the mouth.
  5. Once movements cease, place in recovery position (on the side).
  6. Monitor breathing and consciousness.
  7. If seizure lasts more than 5–10 minutes, call emergency services immediately.

Afterward, allow rest and reassure gently; confusion or drowsiness is normal.

3.3 Anxiety or Panic Episode

Symptoms: hyperventilation, fear, trembling, sense of doom.

Protocol:

  1. Stay close and grounded — speak calmly, make eye contact if welcomed.
  2. Guide slow, deep breathing (inhale 4 sec, exhale 6 sec).
  3. Encourage the person to feel their body — touch the floor or breathe into the belly.
  4. Avoid verbal explanations or analysis.
  5. If panic persists, move them to a quieter area with support.
  6. If symptoms escalate (chest pain, loss of consciousness), call medical help.

💡 Most panic states resolve through presence, calm tone, and safe grounding.

3.4 Disorientation or “Not Coming Down”

Symptoms: confusion, inability to orient in time or space, extended visionary state.

Protocol:

  1. Keep physical distance but offer calm, reassuring presence.
  2. Ground the person through gentle voice, water, and warm covering.
  3. Avoid forceful awakening or confrontation.
  4. If symptoms persist for more than 2 hours post-ceremony, consult a psychologist or medical advisor.
  5. If behavior becomes unsafe, activate the emergency medical plan.

Integration follow-up is essential for these cases.

3.5 Aggressive or Self-Harming Behavior

Symptoms: agitation, verbal outbursts, attempts to leave or harm self/others.

Protocol:

  1. Stay calm and reduce stimuli — dim lights, reduce noise.
  2. Have two trained assistants approach carefully.
  3. Maintain non-threatening distance and open posture.
  4. Avoid physical restraint unless absolutely necessary to prevent injury.
  5. Speak calmly: “You are safe. We are here.”
  6. If risk continues, call emergency services.
  7. Once calm, offer rest and grounding support.

Always debrief the team afterward to process the event and learn.

3.6 Physical Accidents

Examples: falls, cuts, burns, broken glass, head trauma.

Protocol:

  1. Assess consciousness and bleeding.
  2. Apply basic first aid: pressure to stop bleeding, clean wound, use bandages.
  3. In case of head trauma, vomiting, confusion, or persistent pain → call emergency.
  4. Record the incident for follow-up and improvement of retreat safety.

4. Emergency Communication Plan

🕊️ In serious cases, facilitators or assistants accompany the participant to the hospital, carrying their health form and a printed “Ayahuasca Information Sheet” for the medical team (ICEERS Annex).

5. Psychological Aftercare and Follow-Up

Every emergency, whether physical or psychological, requires integration follow-up.

Facilitators contact the participant within 24–48 hours for an emotional check-in and, if necessary, connect them to:

All incidents are documented confidentially for learning and accountability.

Learn about Integration Guidelines →

6. Safety Checklist for Facilitators

Before every retreat:

7. Ethical Dimension of Care

Safety is not only physical — it is psychological and relational.

Transcendent Psychology defines care as:

“A continuous act of awareness, responsibility, and compassion that honors both the vulnerability and autonomy of each participant.”

Facilitators are responsible for maintaining neutrality, clear boundaries, and unconditional respect, especially in moments of crisis.

No emergency protocol replaces presence, empathy, and professional composure.

References and Acknowledgements

This protocol is adapted from:

All adaptations are shared under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 License, honoring ICEERS’ commitment to open-source harm reduction resources.

🔗 Learn more about the ICEERS Dandelion Model →

Continue Your Journey