Critical Incident Stress & Victim Death

 First Aid 

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Introduction — Issues in Providing Care — Primary Assessment & Basic Life Support — Secondary Assessment — Circulatory Emergencies

Respiratory Emergencies — Soft Tissue Injuries — Bone & Joint Injuries — Environmental Illness & Injury

Medical Conditions & Poisoning — Advanced Topics — Appendices — Meta content

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.

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

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/

 

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Issues in Providing Care 

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Consent — Protective Precautions — Legal Liability — Critical Incident Stress & Victim Death — Abuse & Neglect