Trauma in Rescue and Relief Workers

When disaster strikes, rescue workers are first to enter the scene and are usually highly exposed to traumatic and disturbing sites. The environment in emergency situations, such as post hurricane disaster relief or emergency medical service after a terrorist bombing, is always stressful and often chaotic. Although rescue and relief efforts is both meaningful and rewarding work, the risk for experiencing vicarious traumatization of post traumatic distress is great.

Because this group of people sets out to help others, their personal needs and reactions are at best overlooked and dealt with after the fact, and at worst, not considered seemly for people involved in this type of work. Understanding what causes these stresses, and teaching organizations and individuals how to take care of themselves can reduce the stress rescue workers encounter and reduce their post traumatic distress enabling them to better do their jobs.

What causes stress symptoms in relief workers?

• "Action-oriented" or "fixer" mentalities that rescue workers have
  Many rescue workers (especially those who volunteer) are the types of people that want to make a difference and solve problems. While this is the mentality necessary to do the job, it also increases the risk of guilt and frustration the person may have in not being able to "fix" a traumatic situation.
• Identification with the victim
  The more a person puts himself in the shoes of the victim, or of the victim's family, and the more the traumatic scenario reminds the rescue worker of something difficult he himself experienced the more this can also lead to increased stress symptoms.
• Witnessing death and disaster
  This is especially difficult if the death was violent, the body was torn apart or if the victim died in the rescue workers arms. Seeing the death of fellow rescue workers or children is also extremely traumatic.
• Lack of support and management
  Often rescue workers are sent into chaotic situations with minimal support, and unclear instructions. Lack of support and leadership can also increase stress in the disaster situation.

What can individuals do to help themselves deal with the trauma associated with their work?

• Breaks-Taking time
  (whether a couple of minutes every few hours, or a day every few days) to break from the disaster relief effort is crucial. In addition when your shift is over; leave and rest up. All of these things ultimately make you more productive. Simple things like deep breathing, and walks around the block can make a big difference. For more information on relaxtion.
• Basic Needs
  Eating properly and sleeping as much as possible are extremely helpful in dealing with stressful events. Staying away from alcohol, junk food and caffeine is also helpful. Exercise is a good way to increase energy.
• Support
  Peer support and interaction is crucial. This is important both through contact with co-workers who are dealing with things that are similar to you, as well as maintaining open communication with friends and family at home. Seek professional support if you need it.
• Self-awareness
  It is important to know yourself and what hurts and helps you the most. Understanding and recognizing your own stress reactions is important. Avoid overly identifying with victims and try and understand the difference between professional helping and friendly helping. Try and realize that having guilty feelings is irrational.

What can organizations do to help prevent and manage the stress of their workers?

• Provide effective leadership and structure; including necessary supplies, information and chain of command for emergency procedures.
• Encourage and provide forums for people to talk to one another, and share what they have experienced.
• Encourage people to lookout and assess one another while working.
• Make sure rescue workers are eating and sleeping adequately, and allow for time off away from the disaster site.
• Provide as much information about the disaster and trauma to your workers as you can.
• Provide referral to mental health care providers where necessary.

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