Johnson County Fire Chaplains Association Coping with Trumatic Events

The JCFCA, (Johnson County Fire Chaplains Association) of Johnson County, helping the Guardians of our Safety and Security cope with disasters they encounter everyday!
Coping With a Traumatic Event: What Is a Traumatic Event?

An event, or series of events, that causes moderate to severe stress reactions, is called a traumatic event.
They are characterized by a sense of horror, helplessness, serious injury, or the threat of serious injury or death.
Traumatic events affect survivors, rescue workers, and friends and relatives of victims who have been directly involved. In addition to potentially affecting those who suffer injuries or loss. They may also affect people who have witnessed the event either firsthand or on television.
Stress reactions immediately following a traumatic event are very common, however, most of the reactions will resolve within ten days.

Common Responses to a Traumatic Event
Cognitive** Emotional** Physical** Behavioral

poor concentration

confusion

disorientation

indecisiveness

shortened attention span

memory loss

unwanted memories

difficulty making decisions

shock

numbness

feeling overwhelmed

depression

feeling lost

fear of harm to self and/or loved ones

feeling nothing

feeling abandoned

uncertainty of feelings

volatile emotions

nausea

lightheadedness

dizziness

gastro-intestinal problems

rapid heart rate

tremors

headaches

grinding of teeth

fatigue

poor sleep

pain

hyperarousal

jumpiness

suspicion

irritability

arguments with friends and loved ones

withdrawal

excessive silence

inappropriate humor

increased/decreased eating

change in sexual desire or functioning

increased smoking

increased substance use or abuse
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How Do You Interact with Patients after a Traumatic Event?

The clinician should be alert to the various needs of the traumatized person.
Listen and encourage patients to talk about their reactions when they feel ready.
Validate the emotional reactions of the person. Intense, painful reactions are common responses to a traumatic event.
De-emphasize clinical, diagnostic, and pathological language.
Communicate, person to person rather than expert to victim, using straightforward terms.
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What Can You Do to Help Patients Cope with a Traumatic Event?

Explain that their symptoms may be normal, especially right after the traumatic event, and then encourage patients to:

Identify concrete needs and attempt to help. Traumatized persons are often preoccupied with concrete needs (e.g., How do I know if my friends made it to the hospital?).
Keep to their usual routine.
Help identify ways to relax.
Face situations, people and places that remind them of the traumatic event not to shy away.
Take the time to resolve day-to-day conflicts so they do not build up and add to their stress.
Identify sources of support including family and friends. Encourage talking about their experiences and feelings with friends, family, or other support networks (e.g. clergy and community centers).

Some people are at greater risk than others for developing sustained and long-term reactions to a traumatic event including disorders such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and generalized anxiety. Factors that contribute to the risk of long-term impairment such as PTSD are listed.

Proximity to the event. Closer exposure to actual event leads to greater risk (dose-response phenomenon).
Multiple stressors. More stress or an accumulation of stressors may create more difficulty.
History of trauma.

Meaning of the event in relation to past stressors. A traumatic event may activate unresolved fears or frightening memories.
Persons with chronic medical illness or psychological disorders.

Helping survivors of traumatic events, their family members, and emergency rescue personnel requires preparation, sensitivity, assertiveness, flexibility and common sense.

Refer patients to a mental health professional in your area who has experience treating the needs of survivors of traumatic events. Provide education to help people identify symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD (see resources). Offer clinical follow-up when appropriate, including referrals to mental resources.