Who Can Help Us? –First Respondents under Pressure

Abstract

Secondary reactions to stress and how first responders process their own issues following the aftermath of a disaster/emergency event are often overlooked aspects of traumatic events. Those who interact with trauma victims or survivors are themselves exposed to a form of stress, a fact that may go unrecognized for some time after a traumatic event. While trauma survivors are exposed to a primary trauma and the accompanying traumatic stress, secondary responders are exposed to the trauma survivor and the results of their injuries, thereby potentially acquiring their own traumatic stress reaction. The ways in which helpers and first responders are affected may not be obvious because the symptoms are not recognized for what they are and the reaction may not be immediate. The professional helper’s experience is generally confined to secondary exposure. Exceptions include disasters, terrorism attacks, or other emergency events where helpers may be on the scene during a disaster or while victims are still being rescued. It is important that educators, healthcare providers, and community resource personnel understand the importance of secondary stress and be prepared to offer assistance, not only to victims and survivors but also to those who provide first response and their families.