- Psychological first aid (buddy aid) is most needed at the
first sign that a soldier cannot perform the mission because of
emotional distress. Stress is inevitable in combat, in hostage
and terrorist situations, and in civilian disasters, such as floods,
hurricanes, tornadoes industrial and aircraft catastrophes. Most
emotional reactions to such situations are temporary, and the
person can still carry on with encouragement. Painful or disruptive
symptoms may last for minutes hours, or a few days. However, if
the stress symptoms are seriously disabling, they may be psychologically
contagious and endanger not only the emotionally upset individual
but also the entire unit. In such situations, you may be working
beside someone who cannot handle the impact of disaster. Even
when there is no immediate danger of physical injury, psychological
harm may occur. For instance, if a person is unable to function
because of stress, it may cause that person to lose confidence
in himself. If self-confidence cannot be restored, the person
then may become psychologically crippled for life.
- Sometimes people continue to function well during the disastrous
event, but suffer from emotional scars which impair their job
performance or quality of life at a later time. Painful memories
and dreams may recur for months and years and still be considered
a normal reaction. If the memories are so painful that the person
must avoid all situations which arouse these memories or if he
becomes socially withdrawn, or shows symptoms of anxiety, depression,
or substance abuse, he needs treatment. Experiences of police,
firemen, emergency medical technicians, and others who deal with
disasters has proved that the routine application of psychological
first aid greatly reduces the likelihood of future serious post-traumatic
stress disorders. Thus, applying psychological first aid as self-aid
and buddy aid to all the participants, including those who have
functioned well, is beneficial.
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