How do first responders deal with PTSD?

Early identification, intervention, and referrals to mental health providers may be a key in helping to treat PTSD and decrease the incidence of suicide in first responders.

Can you work with post traumatic stress disorder?

For too many people living with PTSD, it is not possible to work while struggling with its symptoms and complications. Some people do continue to work and are able to function for a period of time. They may have milder symptoms or be more able to hide their negative emotions and thoughts from others.

How do you deal with post traumatic stress disorder?

Positive ways of coping with PTSD:

1. Learn about trauma and PTSD.
2. Join a PTSD support group.
3. Practice relaxation techniques.
4. Pursue outdoor activities.
5. Confide in a person you trust.
6. Spend time with positive people.
7. Avoid alcohol and drugs.
8. Enjoy the peace of nature.

Do EMS workers get PTSD?

Another study estimates a PTSD rate of 20\% among EMS Pros. Compare that to the rate for the general public of 3.5\%. While these are early studies, and we need to be careful with statistics from preliminary research, this data supports the high level of concern among our EMS community.

What are the duties of a first responder?

Duties include but are not limited to: ♦ opening and maintaining an airway; ventilating patients; ♦ administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation; ♦ providing emergency medical care of simple and multiple system trauma such as: ♦ controlling hemorrhage, ♦ bandaging wounds, ♦ manually stabilizing injured extremities.

How do you deal with trauma in the workplace?

Ensure adequate time and space to grieve and support each other after a traumatic loss. Ask the employees what they need, rather than telling them what they need to do. Ask employees who are struggling what they want their team to know, and what they need to feel safe while at work.

How do you support a colleague with PTSD?

1. PTSD Awareness Month.
2. Ask how they are.
3. Take the time to listen actively.
4. Do not force someone to relive their experience.
5. Signpost them to existing resources such as your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or staff counselling.
6. Encourage them to seek professional help.
7. Make workplace adjustments.

How do you treat flashbacks?

What helps during a flashback?

1. Look around you.
2. Breathe in a comforting scent, or focus on the smells around you.
3. Listen to the noises around you, or turn on music.
4. Eat or drink something you enjoy.
5. Hold something cold, like a piece of ice, or hot, like a mug of tea.

What are the effects of trauma on first responders?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common as a response to daily stressors. First responders often have symptoms that include numbing of their emotions, flashbacks, anxiety, insomnia, and isolation. They avoid people, places, or things that remind them of trauma.