Psychological Training of Disaster Workers

Summary

That catastrophic events may have a deep psychological impact on their victims seems almost too obvious to be questioned. The important and crippling sequelae observed after such episodes in the lives of some persons are no longer the object of controversy. They have now been identified as a well-defined pathological syndrome: the “post-traumatic stress disorder” (PTSD) (1).

However, it is only recently that psychological assistance and support for the victims of disastrous occurrences have been effectively implemented. In many, but unfortunately not all cases, they are a part of the emergency efforts (2,3).

A even less degree of attention has been given to the psychological trauma and stress undergone by the members of rescue teams; the impact and consequences on their health, personal lives and that of their families and that of their performance at work. I would like to address this particular problem, the reasons for its existence and the necessity to include a psychological preparation during the formal training of these workers and/or at least, include aftermath-disaster debriefing sessions in the organization of their duties.

I shall review briefly the concept of stress and human adaptation and will insist specifically on the stressing elements attached to disasters and their psychological effects on the rescuers. I will also give some practical information, suggestions and guidelines aiming at the better mental preparation of the relief workers.