Self-Care Tips for Emergency and Disaster Response Workers
* No one who responds to a mass casualty event is untouched by it
* Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event
* You may not want to leave the scene until the work is finished
* You will likely try to override stress and fatigue with dedication and commitment
* You may deny the need for rest and recovery time
Signs That You May Need Stress Management Assistance
* Difficulty communicating thoughts
* Difficulty remembering instructions
* Difficulty maintaining balance
* Uncharacteristically argumentative
* Difficulty making decisions
* Limited attention span
* Unnecessary risk-taking
* Tremors/headaches/nausea
* Tunnel vision/muffled hearing
* Colds or flu-like symptoms.
* Disorientation or confusion
* Difficulty concentrating
* Loss of objectivity
* Easily frustrated
* Unable to engage in problem-solving
* Unable to let down when off duty
* Refusal to follow orders
* Refusal to leave the scene
* Increased use of drugs/alcohol
* Unusual clumsiness
Ways to Help Manage Your Stress
* Limit on-duty work hours to no more than 12 hours per day
* Make work rotations from high stress to lower stress functions
* Make work rotations from the scene to routine assignments, as practicable
* Use counseling assistance programs available through your agency
* Drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks like fresh fruit and whole grain breads and other energy foods at the scene
* Take frequent, brief breaks from the scene as practicable.
* Talk about your emotions to process have seen and done
* Stay in touch with your family and friends
* Participate in memorials, rituals, and use of symbols as a way to express feelings
* Pair up with a responder so that you may monitor one another's stress
Please note that this online publication has been abridged from the printed version.
