There are several factors to consider when addressing the topic of interventions for rescue personnel:
1) training in a critical incident management system
2) experience in providing rescue services
3) impact of personal loss on the ability to perform services.
Individuals who are engaged in first responder services following a disaster are generally trained in some form of critical incident management system. This system helps to coordinate the response, maintain the focus on the work to be done and allows for constant evaluation/re-evaluation of efforts made. This ongoing and flexible process provides a systematic approach to successfully managing even the most difficult situation. This is not to say that professional responders will not have reactions to the devastation and destruction encountered following a disaster. However, training helps to provide a protective layer which allows these individuals to handle extremely stressful situations. What is not typically incoporated into this system is psychological interventions, which may in fact interfere with the ability to perform their duties.
It's just that to interject an artificial intervention in the course of providing their services may in fact create more harm than good. The vulnerability of first responders that originated when CISD was first introduced has not been found to be true. First responders expect to encounter tragedy and horror in the line of their work. They rely on their training and a successful system to manage these events, thus increasing the effectiveness of their service and also enhance their on safety and security.
In large scale disasters, there are typically instances of individuals who volunteer for rescue efforts but may have limited training and no previous exposure to chaos of this magnitude. Lacking previous experience and in many instances a system of checks and balances that will support this individual's efforts, these volunteers may witness events that result in traumatic reactions.
As a result of Hurricane Katrina, officers who were trying to secure the city were the same individuals who had lost friends, family and their own homes. As their system of control and safety crumbled, officers who faced many difficult challenges in the normal course of their employment, began to become overwhelmed. Some left to deal with their own personal losses, several took their own lives. The remaining officers were burdened with increased responsibility in a city that was under siege. Without a plan that was supported on all levels, the officers became vulnerable. Officers who remained on the job however relied on their training and and peer support to continue to perform their duties.
Tips for working with rescue personnel:
1) Don't rush in to provide psychological interventions without have an understanding of the bigger picture.
2) Don't assume that the rescue personnel are traumatized. Individuals are unique. Although some may request additional psychological support, others may feel that they have become stronger by meeting the challenges of their work.
3) If the rescue personnel are performing their work as part of a critical incident management system, don't interfere while they are doing their job. Support is most likely built in to their system.
4) Understand the different needs of professional rescue personnel versus hurricane volunteers. Volunteers may be more vulnerable to heightened emotional reactions, thus requiring additional support when returning to their normal daily lives. It is important to consider those who might be most vulnerable and yet not make assumptions about need. Make intervention services available to those who are interested in participating. Provide a range of services that individuals can select from over time, if necessary.
5) Recognize that by offering a range of services we are most likely to provide the support necessary for our rescue personnel to self select the right response at the right time.
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Posted - 09/08/2005 : 12:49:01 PM
