First Aid/Critical Incident Stress & Victim Death

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

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/

Issues in Providing Care

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

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