Care about the neglected

In every rescue operation, we often focus on the injured but neglect the rescuers. In fact, while constantly witnessing others’ sufferings and hardships, the rescuers may also have emotional reactions when facing tragedies. A supervisor or rescuer should know how to handle it to avoid being trapped in emotional dilemma. Oasis also provides psychological support to colleagues involved in local disaster relief actions.

Reminders for supervisors

Pre-operation

• Incorporate concepts of psychological resilience and psychological trauma into training to enhance emergency workers’ ability to cope with adversity.

• Provide a quick briefing and forewarning before actual operation to equip emergency workers with psychological preparation of what they may encounter at the disaster scene.

During operation

• New workers should pair up with more well‑trained and experienced colleagues.

• Arrange a quiet place for emergency workers to take a rest.

• Provide emergency workers with food and drinks and give them a chance to express their feelings.

Post-operation

• Express gratitude to all colleagues, including supporting staff.

• Observe if staff could gradually resume normal work. Encourage them to seek professional help as soon as possible if needed.

Reminders for rescue workers

Pre-operation

• Learn how to differentiate between normal and abnormal stress reactions.

• Use stress management strategies, for example short relaxation exercise, positive activities, adequate sleep and spending time with family and friends.

During operation

• Avoid thoughts such as ‘it is selfish if I take time to rest or I must keep working and make the most contributions’.

• In face of prolonged operation, try to maintain regular patterns of sleep and diet. Stay hydrated and have sufficient carbohydrate intake.

Post-operation

• Avoid magnifying or being picky about unsatisfactory performance of yourself or your colleagues during the operation.

• Do not take others’ anger too personally. It is because anger is a common reaction for people facing emergencies and psychological traumas.

Source: Oasis. Beyond Helping Others – Stress Reactions and Management in Emergencies