PTSD treatment a necessity for military, civilian first responders

Tom Carey
The Klaxon
02.14.2010

Trying to grasp everything that is going on around oneself during a traumatic event can take its toll on the soul. Military and civilian first responders responsible for managing chaos on a daily basis can push their team to the limit.

The multitasking you must perform as you make timely decisions, while providing some direction to others, is continuous. Providing for the well-being and care of your subordinates doesn’t stop after an event—it begins.

How many have received the check the box treatment? Responders go to class, read the slides, watch a video and sign here. Sound familiar? Are they OK now? Maybe some responders are, but not everyone deals with the effects a catastrophic event, war or a life-threatening situation the same way. Recovery can be a longer process for some to achieve than others. Not all practitioners require the same amount of care. Given enough trauma, any individual could develop what is called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Senior managers owe proper care to their subordinates (as well as themselves) in promoting both awareness and obtaining quality and continuous treatment for this affliction.

Whether it’s an ER nurse at the Combat Surgical Hospital (CSH) in downtown Baghdad or at Bellevue Hospital in New York, the demand of one’s expertise is needed at that very second to perform to the best of their ability to save a life. The soldier in the combat zone often states, “That mortar round was kind of close,” but they keep on coming. As the smoke thickens with the threat of being burned by the unbearable heat, the firemen continue to evacuate victims. The police officer, while trying to apprehend a suspect, is wrestled to the edge of an oncoming subway train and manages to make the arrest.

When should one decompress these types of events? For most, it’s either a shrug off the shoulder or run to the local bar. The best piece of advice is to talk about events with a trustful person. Some of them can be co-workers who are experiencing the same situations or others that have gone through similar actions. Sometimes an event can be too much for one’s body and mind to process and comprehend. Then, for some, it takes a lot of time to let out that experienced situation. The worst thing one can do is keep it to themselves.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can develop following a traumatic event that threatens safety or makes one feel helpless.

Dr. Frank Ochberg, a psychiatrist who has worked with and studied victims of war, terrorism, domestic violence, rape, incest and natural disaster in many countries, recognizes PTSD as three reactions that happen simultaneously. These reactions, known as the ‘Triad of Disabling Responses,” is all caused by an event that terrifies, horrifies or renders one helpless. The Triad of Disabling Responses is:

1. Recurring intrusive recollections.

2. Emotional numbing and constriction of life activity.

3. A physiological shift in the fear threshold affecting sleep,concentration and sense of security.

Why Should I Get Help?

Symptoms of PTSD may worsen over time. Finding the right treatment can only start by addressing that someone may need help. PTSD symptoms even can cause difficulty in family relationships, and responders might find themselves pulling away from loved ones. PTSD also can worsen physical health, such as heart problems. More here.

In an effort to help individuals exposed to traumatic events, The Klaxon spoke with Dr. Gerald Cohen, director of clinical affairs for the Division of Mental Hygiene at New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, in offering tips for individuals involved in experiencing psychological problems following a disaster or responding to emergency situations. More here.