Many ambulance workers are traumatised by the gruesome scenes they experience first-hand while doing their job. A study in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology found that 20% of ambulance workers are suffering from a psychological condition known as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and may need help in dealing with the traumatic events witnessed on duty.
The researchers also found that those ambulance workers who tried to forget about traumatic experiences were more likely to suffer from psychological problems.
Psychologists Sue Clohessy and Professor Anke Ehlers of Oxford University studied the experiences of 56 Oxfordshire Ambulance Service paramedics.
Symptoms of PSTD reported by those who took part in the study included:
- Intrusive memories of particular incidents
- Sleep problems
- Irritability
- Feelings of emotional detachment from colleagues
The symptoms
Although PTSD is now taken seriously by the armed forces, the crippling condition remains taboo among many sectors of the ambulance service. Have you experienced any of the following symptoms?Intrusive recollections of the trauma
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks and intrusive images, sounds or smells
- Constantly thinking about the event
- Feeling emotional and physical distress with even small reminders of the trauma
- Ongoing Anxiety
- Feeling constantly in danger
- Feeling tearful, angry or irritable
- Concentration difficulties
- Being easily startled, jumpy or wired
- Problems in falling or staying asleep
- Avoiding any reminder of the event, e.g. people, places or situations
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Withdrawing from other people
- Feeling hopeless and helpless
- Alcohol and drug abuse
Treatments
PTSD is treatable. If you think you may have it, the first step is to see your GP, who will probably refer you for treatment. This often involves psychotherapy, medication or a combination of the two.- Psychotherapy. Therapists tend to use behavioural therapy, which encourages you to talk about the trauma in detail and cope with the emotions that surround it, and/or cognitive therapy, which helps you to overcome any negative thoughts that you've developed since the trauma (such as, I cant see the point in living).
- Medication. Many people with PTSD also suffer from depression, so anti-depressants are often prescribed to reduce symptoms and make therapy sessions more effective. The length of your treatment depends on the severity of your disorder and how quickly you progress.
News Link
News Artcle in the Independant.co.uk with regards to PTSDTo Make a PTSD Claim
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