How to Cope With Crisis and Trauma

Dealing with a trauma and a crisis at the same time may seem impossible, but human beings have a wonderful capacity to cope. When coping with an emergency situation, we deal with it as though we are on "auto-pilot" and can be almost unaware of our own actions. Here are some very important things to know when coping with a crisis and a trauma.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

First Things First

1. Deal with the trauma first as lives may depend on it. Call 911 immediately, so emergency help can be on the way. If help is on the way, wait for them. If the fire department or police department can't be reached, you must take safety precautions before attempting rescue. The rescuer must be safe first or there will be more than one victim during the crisis.
2. Look for downed power lines, swift moving currents, sharp objects or other sources of danger to the rescuer. If you are safe, remove the victim from the source of danger, if necessary. It's best not to move an injured person unless their life is in danger.
3. Start with the ABC's of life saving, Airway, Breathing and Circulation. Determine if the emergency victim is having trouble breathing or not breathing at all.
4. Swipe the victim's mouth to clear it of any foreign objects. Tilt the injured person's head back gently, to straighten their airway. If the victim isn't breathing, keep the head tilted back and the chin up. Pinch the nose of the victim and start mouth to mouth resuscitation; create an airtight seal with your mouth over theirs and breathe 2 breaths into their mouth.
5. Begin chest compressions by placing the heel of one hand on top of the back of the other hand. Find the sternum of the injured victim, and press both hands down about 2 inches to start the compressions. Do 15 compressions then 2 more breaths. Make sure you allow the chest to return to its normal position between compressions. Check for a pulse and stop the compressions when you feel a pulse.
6. Stop the flow of blood from wounds by applying direct pressure to the wound. Use a clean cloth and place it on the wound, and hold pressure on the wound for five minutes. Direct pressure will stem the flow of blood until emergency help arrives. If the injury has nicked an artery, the blood will spurt out. This is serious and may require a tourniquet. A tourniquet can be made from anything that constricts, even a piece of cloth ripped from a garment. Apply it above the injury and twist it to stop all blood flow, but only for five minutes at a time; any longer and there could be tissue or bone death. Never apply a tourniquet unless the injury will cause death without it.

Crisis-The Aftermath of Trauma

7. Allow yourself to briefly "fall apart" after the trauma. You may be nauseated, feel weak or shaky and will be exhausted. You may start crying or react in inappropriate ways after the trauma. Nightmares and trouble staying asleep, difficulty with concentrating and reliving the trauma are normal right after the trauma. You are not crazy but suffering from Post traumatic Stress.
8. Talk to those who can help you; find a close friend, a clergyman or a counselor to talk to. Join a group of other people who have gone through a similar or the same crisis that you have. Talking and listening to others with the same emergency experience can help you cope with a crisis and trauma.
9. Wind down at night before bedtime so you can sleep. Do relaxation techniques, deep breathing or listen to soothing music.
10. Return to your "normal" life as soon as possible. Do everyday and mundane things that help you feel more normal and will make you feel more secure; wash the windows, garden or paint.
11. Refuse to dwell on the things you can't change or what you should have done. Force yourself to stay in the present day and look for the good in life. Keep your mind busy; volunteer to help others, take up a sport or hobby and learn relaxation techniques. Doctors have discovered that laughter is the best medicine, so watch a funny movie. Enjoy your life, appreciate it and have fun.