Elliott Group, a family-run construction firm operating across Ireland and the UK, has engaged the specialist services of the Lighthouse Charity following a fatal medical emergency at one of its Irish sites.

The incident occurred as a subcontractor's employee suffered a medical crisis while arriving for his shift. Despite the immediate activation of emergency response procedures and the efforts of site first aiders, the worker unfortunately passed away.

The tragedy had a significant emotional impact on the workforce, particularly those who witnessed the event or provided first aid. Management reported various reactions among staff, including anxiety, withdrawal, and distress. In response, Elliott Group contacted the Lighthouse Charity to provide professional trauma support.

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The charity's Critical Incident Support team initially conducted an assessment before deploying a trauma specialist to the site within a week. The counsellor facilitated both confidential one-to-one and group sessions, allowing staff to discuss their feelings and learn practical coping mechanisms for processing grief.

Laura McCooey, Group Environmental & Quality Manager at Elliott Group, noted the impact of the intervention: "The arrival of the Lighthouse Charity's Critical Incident team steadied things. You could see the difference and there was a noticeable shift in how the team interacted afterwards – more open, less tense. It definitely helped them process what had happened."

To further support long-term wellbeing, the company hosted the #MakeItVisible team in Dublin. This initiative involved team members sharing lived experiences to encourage open dialogue regarding mental health, physical safety, and site wellbeing. Elliott Group documented the visit to share across company channels, aiming to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.

"Having that visible presence makes support feel real and accessible," Laura McCooey added. "When people can put a face to the service, they're much more likely to reach out early rather than waiting until things escalate."

The Lighthouse Charity provides 24/7 support for teams experiencing critical incidents. Assistance can be reached at 1800 939 122 in the Republic of Ireland or 0345 605 1956 in the UK, with live chat available via their website.