This resource guide is intended to assist schools in developing protocols for responding to critical incidents. It focuses on proactive plans to deal with the traumatic aftereffects of a critical incident which affects some or all of the members of a school community. The guide outlines a generic protocol which includes steps to be undertaken in response to a critical incident and includes materials to help school staff understand and carry out their support functions after a crisis. Information is provided on factors that make an event a critical incident, planning for dealing with emergencies, and setting up response teams. Steps for establishing a critical incident response plan are described and include: (1) gathering the facts; (2) contacting the school district; (3) activating the school team; (4) communicating with staff; (5) setting up counseling centers; (6) talking with students; (7) informing parents; (8) providing funeral information; (9) conducting a team review; and (10) planning remembrance activities. Appendices include information on establishing counseling drop-in centers, guidelines for a grief support group, critical incident stress debriefing, understanding and coping with grief, alternate programs, suicide warning signs and ways to help, and material for parents following a critical incident. A list of related resources is provided. (CR)