Understanding Trauma as a First Responder

Myth or Fact?

100

PTSD symptoms occur immediately after a traumatic event.

Myth - Symptoms could take months or years to appear.

200

Anyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event can develop PTSD.

Fact

300

Everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD.

Myth - Traumatic events do not automatically lead to PTSD, and everyone reacts differently to trauma.

400

Trauma has to happen to you directly.

Myth - One does not have to directly experience a trauma to be negatively affected by them. Vicarious or secondary trauma results from repeated exposure to others' trauma. 

500

Trauma can stimulate strength and personal growth.

Fact

Reactions to Trauma

100

What are some common emotional responses to trauma?

There are many emotional responses that people could have to trauma.  This includes sadness, anger, confusion, grief, guilt.

200

What are some common physical responses to trauma?

There are many common physical responses to trauma.  These include stomache aches, headaches, nausea, fatigue. 

300

How would re-experiencing the trauma look like?

Re-experiencing the trauma may look like nightmares, dreams, distressing thoughts, or flashbacks.

400

What are some examples of avoiding the trauma?

Avoiding the trauma may look like using substances, avoiding activities, people, or places related to the trauma, or avoiding talking about the trauma.

500

How can negative feelings or thoughts be presented after a trauma?

Negative feelings or thoughts may be presented as having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world around you, or having loss of interest of activities you used to enjoy.

On the Front Lines

100

What are some common traumatic events encountered by first responders?

Witnessing death, hearing about others’ trauma.

200

How can trauma show up in colleagues and team members?

Coping: Safe or Unsafe?

100

Using substances to numb the feelings and thoughts.

Unsafe - these behaviors can lead to dependency and emotional instability.

200

Engaging in some form of physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or stretching.

Safe

300

Going on a drive when you are feeling really angry.

Unsafe - Intense emotions can impair judgment and can lead to high-risk behaviors.

400

Using "safety behaviors" such as sitting by the exit, carrying lucky items, or only going to places where you feel safe.

Unsafe - while they can reduce anxiety temporarily, they can reinforce fear and avoidance over time.

500

Often making jokes about the traumatic situation.

Unsafe - humor can be used as a coping skill, but in the long-run it can be used to deflect or avoid emotions.