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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Helping First Responders Cope with Trauma

 First responders frequently suffer a traumatic injury. Whether from a single event or the cumulative impact of several events over time, most first responders don’t realize or recognize the impact. How should first responders cope with trauma?

A necessary approach to their life-saving work is: Do first, feel later. When drawing a weapon, running into a burning building, or treating victims of an accident, there’s no room for having normal human reactions. The constant deluge of tragedy eventually takes a toll. To keep the focus on the job, they sweep trauma under the rug, until there is no room left. One day it overflows.

The cumulative buildup of trauma may be expressed as a sudden outburst, breakdown, or a sense of overwhelming. Often, there is a feeling of failure, guilt, or shame. Without the right outlet for sharing or tools for dealing with emotions, it is not uncommon for first responders – just like every human who is silently suffering – to reach for something to numb the pain or put their attention elsewhere. A myriad of maladaptive and unhealthy behaviors can grow out of unrecognized trauma.

Read more at Promises Behavioral Health.

Helping First Responders Cope with Trauma Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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