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Traumatic incidents can put emergency workers at risk

Emergency Management Alert, May 14, 2007

During a disaster, emergency personnel are the first ones to wade into a potentially dangerous situation. But it is important to remember that, in many cases, emergency personnel can be victims, too, whether they suffer physical problems as a result of their work, such as the respiratory problems documented in emergency personnel at the World Trade Center site after 9/11, or emotional issues caused by exposure to extreme tragedy or suffering.

In such times, healthcare organizations should be sure to use the proper precautions when dealing with the health of their emergency personnel. One way to start is by using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines, "Traumatic Incident Stress: Information for Emergency Response Workers." Some of the tips include the following:

• Pace yourself. Rescue and recovery efforts at the site may continue for days or weeks.
• Take frequent rest breaks. Rescue and recovery operations take place in extremely dangerous work environments. Mental fatigue over long shifts can place emergency workers at greatly increased risk for injury.
• Watch out for each other. Co-workers may be intently focused on a particular task and may not notice a hazard nearby or behind.
• Be conscious of those around you. Responders who are exhausted, feeling stressed, or even temporarily distracted may place themselves and others at risk.

To read more, click here.

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