COPING WITH TRAUMATIC EVENTS

Medical emergencies are often unexpected and can be traumatic or distressing to the people present, including to the first aiders.

Some people experience an immediate emotional or physical reaction, sometimes this reaction is delayed, and some people appear not to have a reaction.

I was recently called to help a patient requiring first aid. This involved two of us providing CPR and using a defibrillator twice before the paramedics arrived to treat the casualty and transport him to the local hospital. This was the first time that I have actually been required to provide such help after many years of teaching how to do CPR and it was a quite stressful experience!

Following the incident I was sent a brochure via email from Ambulance Victoria about coping with a traumatic event which I thought was valuable to share with our readers. We thank Ambulance Victoria for permission to reproduce the brochure’s points below:

  • Distressing situations may challenge you in some way, such as: anxiety or fear; irritability or anger, depression and/or grief; trouble sleeping with disturbing dreams; difficulty concentrating; reliving the event and flashbacks of aspects of the event; feeling withdrawn; and/or mood swings, self-doubt and a lack of self-confidence.

  • Ideas to help yourself after a distressing event could include: giving yourself time to recover; accepting that your reactions are normal given the abnormal event you may have experienced; talking about the event with people you trust; being prepared to ask for professional help if necessary and/or if reactions persist or interfere with your daily activities and enjoyment of life. Your local doctor is a good person to talk to especially if you are suffering any physical reactions following the event.

  • Other things to consider are: having company and staying with someone rather than being home alone; postponing making any major life changing decisions until you are feeling better; trying to get back to your normal routine as soon as possible; avoiding excessive alcohol, nicotine and coffee (always a good idea!); maintaining a healthy diet and getting some exercise; doing things you enjoy; and spending time with people you feel safe and comfortable with.

  • It is important that you make the time to take care of yourself and to know where you can seek further assistance should you feel it necessary. Organisations and their contact details include:

    • Lifeline (Australia wide) Ph: 13 11 14, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

    • Crisis Support Information & Referral Service www.lifeline.org.au

    • Kids Help Line Ph: 1800 551 800 www.kidshelp.com.au

    • beyondblue Ph: 1300 224 636 Information on depression and anxiety, and where to get help. www.beyondblue.org.au, www.youthbeyondblue.com

    • Mensline Ph: 1300 789 978 www.mensline.org.au

    • Nurse-on-call Ph: 1300 60 60 24 Expert health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

    • Griefline Ph: 9935 7400 12 noon to 3.00am daily www.griefline.org.au

    • The Compassionate Friends Victoria Ph: 1800 641 091 Supporting bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. support@compassionate friendsvictoria.org.au

    • The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement Ph: 1800 642 066 www.grief.org.au

    • Victims Support Agency 8-11pm (7 days) Ph: 1800 819 817

    • Sexual Assault Crisis Line Ph:1800 015 188 www.sacl.com.au www.casa.org.au

    • Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Ph: 1800 015 188 www.safesteps.org.au

Thanks to Ambulance Victoria for allowing me to use the details in their brochure. It helped me and I hope that the information outlined above may help others…

 

Martin Warneke