First Aid/Critical Incident Stress & Victim Death

What is Critical Incident Stress?
Any emergency that involves a severe injury or death is a critical incident. This incident could be amplified should the emergency involve a family member or friend. The stress that these incidents cause may overwhelm a first aider and shut down their ability to cope. This is what is known as critical incident stress (CIS). This condition may have a great impact on the first aider suffering from it, and if left un-treated, this stress may lead to a more serious condition known as post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Signs of CIS

 * May not perform well at their job.
 * May seem pre-occupied.
 * Confusion
 * Poor concentration
 * Denial
 * Guilt
 * Anger
 * Change in appetite
 * Unusual behavior

Treatment
CIS requires professional help to avoid Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. However, there are supplements to professional treatment that will help such as:


 * Relaxation techniques
 * Avoiding drugs and alcohol
 * Eating a balanced diet
 * Getting enough rest
 * Talking with peers

More information can be found at the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation http://www.icisf.org/