Coping with Traumatic Events You have been involved in a situation much different than those you usually face. Perhaps this situation elicits an uncomfortable response. Although well trained, you are not prepared for this. You may find yourself confronted by reactions and feelings rarely reported and discussed by other emergency services personnel who have had similar experiences. This information sheet is provided to help you and your family better understand and cope with the reaction following your involvement in the traumatic situation.
A Major Stress In order to better understand your reaction, consider the situation in which you have been involved to be like the initial splash caused when a pebble is thrown into a pond. Your reactions are like the ripples which may continue long after the pebble penetrates the surface. As a consequence, you may have specific physical, psychological, and emotional reactions as well as family concerns. Being aware of the fact that your responses are not unusual may help lessen the level of anxiety these reactions and concerns might cause you and your family.
Remember!! You are a normal person having normal reactions and experiencing the normal consequences of those reactions. The only thing that is abnormal is the situation you have just encountered! The reactions you may experience can be either physical, psychological, or, most probably, both. Experiencing any of the responses contained in this information sheet does not mean you are going off the deep end. The reactions are the normal and natural result of the situation you have just been through.
Signs of a Critical Incident Stress Reaction
The following is a list of normal stress reactions to critical incidents, which may last a few days, weeks, months, or more. Not everyone experiences some or all of these reactions.
Becoming insulated from the external world. For example, being unable to enjoy things that were pleasurable before the incident.
Having a memory impairment and/or trouble concentrating, being absent-minded, and having visions of the situation unexpectedly.
Experiencing depression that might be evidenced by fatigue, restless sleep, loss of appetite, or social withdrawal.
Experiencing moodiness, becoming irritable, and having aggressive outbursts with little or no provocation.
Experiencing general feelings of anxiety and being frightened without knowing for certain what is causing the fear.
Experiencing guilt at surviving when others perished, or guilt over the actions taken to survive.
Suffering intensification of symptoms when exposed to events, situations, or activities which symbolize the original trauma.
Feelings of guilt, anger, apprehension, or sadness may be experienced as related to the incident. There may also be renewed feelings related to previous personal traumas.
Questioning your chosen profession and your views of your aggressiveness. The lack of support you may receive from others may make you ask, "Does anyone care about what happens to me?"
Becoming distrustful of your department and your co-workers.
Finding that you are embarrassed and concerned about your reputation. It is possible that you will be more aware of how others respond to you and more sensitive to the treatment you receive from others.
Physical: Fatigue, nausea, chest pain, headache, muscle tremors, twitches, teeth grinding, visual difficulties, vomiting, elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, shock symptoms, difficulty breathing, thirst, weakness, profuse sweating, and fainting. Note: any of these symptoms may warrant medical attention.
Cognitive: Blaming, confusion, poor attention span, poor decision making, memory loss, disorientation of places, times, or people, intrusive images, increased or decreased awareness of surroundings and/or alertness, poor concentration, and hyper vigilance.
Emotional: Fear, anxiety, guilt, grief, denial, depression, severe pain, emotional shock, loss of emotional control, anger, agitation, uncertainty, apprehension, that "emptied out" feeling, or feeling overwhelmed.
Behavioral: Changes in activity, changes in speech patterns, withdrawn, change in communication, antisocial, emotional outbursts, suspiciousness, restlessness, change in startle reflex, irritability, erratic movements, pacing, change in appetite, increased alcohol consumption, drug usage, non-specific body complaint, or change in sexual function/needs.
Spiritual: Anger at God, loss of meaning in faith practices, questioning one's beliefs, belief that God is powerless.
Stress reactions are usually temporary and subside in 3-6 weeks. If stress reactions persist after 6 weeks, please call the team @ 617-746-7676. Follow up services should be considered.