How to Manage Stress Reactions to Wilderness Emergencies

Everyone involved in a backcountry emergency should expect to experience some kind of stress reaction to the event. Handling these reactions properly in the field will go a long way toward helping each person process the event and aid long-term recovery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Position one rescuer at all times at the injured person's head to avoid overwhelming the injured person with too many interactions. This rescuer's task should be to comfort and listen to the injured person, communicate reassurance, and prepare the person verbally for changes in treatment or procedures.
2. Make certain that all communication that occurs within earshot of the injured person is positive and reassuring.
3. Assess the expected outcome of the emergency situation as realistically as possible and keep fellow rescuers apprised of developments. Rescuers should not feel as though they were not given information they should have been given. Protect each other from surprises.
4. Remove rescuers with acute stress reactions from the scene. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and immediate experiences.
5. Assign meaningful tasks to as many people as possible, especially those who are experiencing stress. Simple tasks such as boiling water, clearing an evacuation route, or creating adequate shelter will help others feel empowered and effective, and will contribute to a successful outcome without jeopardizing the treatment of the injured person.
6. Make certain all rescuers and group members are as comfortable and cared for as possible: Eat regularly, drink lots of water, and take turns sleeping during prolonged evacuations.
7. Gather as a group at regular intervals during a prolonged rescue to communicate strategies and needs. Do this away from the injured person.
8. Take turns taking short hikes or getting other forms of aerobic exercise to relieve tension 24 hours prior to evacuation.

Tips & Warnings

• Debrief the incident with all rescuers and group members within 24 hours after the incident. Give everyone an opportunity to speak as much as they need to about their feelings and experiences during and immediately prior to completion of the rescue.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other healthcare professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
• Seek immediate help from a trained therapist if you experience any of the long-term effects of stress or trauma. These include: difficulty sleeping, dreams or mental images about the incident, depression, anger or grief, feelings of isolation, being easily startled, disengagement or withdrawal from activities, feelings of guilt at having survived the incident.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.