Crisis

Managing Emotions During Emergencies

Virginia J. Duffy PhD, Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry

Do you work with the public?

Have you ever had to deal with an emotional or medical crisis, do you wonder how you would handle it if you did?

If you were called upon to act in an emergency could you

• take charge

• keep your cool

• communicate clearly

• calm the situation?

Significant emotional distress can be expected when dealing with any emergency or crisis. Such situations naturally provoke intense emotional reactions for all involved whether it is the victim, a person trying to help, a professional rescuer or simply a bystander. In an emergency situation, good communication between the helper and the victim is crucial; it can make the difference between success and failure.

Emotional distress, if unrecognized or ignored, will make it more challenging for helpers to make good decisions quickly, and victims more difficult to assist. Helpers whether they are professionals or someone who just happens to be available, must first deal with their own emotions before they can aid someone else. Helpers must remain calm in order to make rapid, good decisions and provide clear instructions; victims must be calm enough to understand and follow instructions. Here are some hints for helpers, both professionals and reluctant responders!

Take Charge

One of the first things that must be decided in any emergency is who’s in charge? If you happen upon an emergency that you feel you can deal with step forward and say in a confident manner “I can help here”. If you have a background in the area state that also i.e.: I am a nurse, (EMT, fireman, etc). Immediately assign someone a task i.e.: Someone call an ambulance. If another person is already managing the situation stand by to offer help as needed.

Keep your cool

Even the most experience rescuers become initially anxious at an emergency. Take a second to step back and assess the scene. Take a deep breath and use some self talk i.e.: ok, I can do this, what should I do first? Acting as if you are calm will make you feel calmer. Your anxiety will quickly pass (often to return again after the crisis is over!)

Communicate Clearly

This is one of the most important steps in dealing with a person in crisis. Talk to the person in their own style at there own level. Speak simply and keep instructions brief. Repeat as many times as needed. Only one person should be talking to the person in crises!

Calm the situation

Calm the patient with brief statements such as “I can see it hurts you” or” I will help you”. Avoid giving false reassurance i.e. “Everything will be ok”.

Managing onlookers is often challenging, delegate this to someone in the crowd; such as asking one bystander to get everyone to move back.

These are a few examples of the tips you will find in Behavioral First Aid: Managing Emotions During Emergencies is a new book by Virginia Duffy PhD RN. Dr. Duffy is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has practiced in the Rochester area for over 25 years. More about the author and the book can be found at www.PsychSense.com

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