PAX Centurion - Special Edition 2013

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • Special Boston Marathon Bombing Issue 2013 • Page 29 * Definite indication of the need for medical evaluation Y ou have experienced a traumatic event or a critical incident (any incident that causes emergency service personnel to experience unusually strong emotional reactions which have the potential to interfere with their ability to function either at the scene or later). Even though the event may be over, you may now be experiencing or may experience later some strong emotional or physical reactions. It is very common, in fact quite normal for people to experience emotional aftershocks when they have passed through a horrible event. Sometimes the emotional aftershocks (or stress reactions) appear immediately after the traumatic event. Sometimes they may appear a few hours or a few days later. And. in some cases, weeks or.months.may pass before the stress reactions appear. The signs and symptoms of a stress reaction may last a few days, a few weeks or a few months and occasionally longer depending on the severity of the traumatic event. With the understanding and the support of loved ones, stress reactions usually pass more quickly. Occasionally, the traumatic event is so painful that professional assistance from a counselor may be necessary. This does not imply craziness or weakness. It simply indicates that the particular trauma was just too powerful for the person to manage by themselves. Here are some very common signs and signals of a stress reaction: Boston Police Peer Support Unit Critical Incident Stress Physical • Fatigue • Nausea • Muscle tremors • Twitches • Chest pain * • Difficulty breathing * • Elevated Blood Pressure • Rapid heartbeat • Thirst • Headaches • Visual difficulties • Vomiting • Grinding of teeth • Weakness • Dizziness • Profuse sweating chills • Shock symptoms • Fainting • Etc. Cognitive • Blaming someone • Confusion • Poor attention • Poor decisions • Heightened or lowered alertness • Poor concentration • Memory problems • Hypervigilance • Difficulty identifying familiar objects or people • Increased or decreased awareness of surroundings • Poor problem solving • Poor abstract thinking • Loss of time, place or person orientation • Disturbed thinking • Nightmares • Intrusive images • Etc. Emotional • Anxiety • Guilt • Grief • Denial • Severe panic (rare) • Emotional shock • Fear • Uncertainty • Loss of emotional control • Depression • Inappropriate emotional response • Apprehension • Feeling overwhelmed • Intense anger • Irritability • Agitation • Etc. Behavioral • Change in activities • Change in speech patterns • Withdrawal • Emotional outbursts • Suspiciousness • Change in usual communication • Loss or increase in appetite • Alcohol consumption • Inability to rest • Antisocial acts • Nonspecific bodily complaints • Hyper alert to environment • Startle reflex intensified • Pacing • Erratic movements • Change in sexual functioning • Etc. Things to DoAfter a Critical Incident • WITHIN THE FIRST 24-48 HOURS periods of appropriate physical exercises alternated with relaxation will alleviate some of the physical reactions. • Structure your time – keep busy. • You’re normal and having normal reactions – don’t label yourself crazy. • Talk to people – talk is the most healing medicine. • Be aware of numbing the pain with overuse of drugs or alcohol.You dont need to complicate this with a substance abuse problem. • Reach out – people do care. • Maintain as normal a schedule as possible. • Spend time with others and talk about what happened to you. • Help others who were affected as much as possible by sharing feelings and checking out how they are doing. • Give yourself permission to feel rotten and share your feelings with others. • Keep a journal. Write down your thoughts and feelings about the incident. Research has shown this is very effective for symptom reduction and resolution of the trauma. • Do things that feel good to you. • Realize those around you are under stress. • Don’t make any big life changes. • Do make as many daily decisions as possible which will give you a feeling of control over your life, i.e., if someone asks you what you want to eat – answer them even if you’re not sure. • Get plenty of rest. • Reoccumng thoughts, dreams or flashbacks are normal – don’t try to fight them – they’ll decrease over time and become less painful. • Eat well-balanced and regular meals (even if you dont feel like it). For Family and Friends • Listen carefully. • Spend time with the traumatized person. • Offer your assistance and a listening ear if they have not asked for help. • Reassure them that they are safe. • Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for the family, minding children. • Give them some private time. • Don’t take their anger or other feelings personally. • Don’t tell them that they are “lucky it wasn’t worse” – traumatized people are not consoled by those statements. Instead, tell them that you are sorry such an event has occurred and you want to understand and assist them. Please feel free to contact the Boston Police Peer Support Unit for further information, available resources, or any questions at 617-343-5715 or 617-594-9091.