Psychology of trauma
As emergency medical providers we are not always aware of the extent and gravity of the psychological consequences of crime, interpersonal violence, accidents, disasters or domestic violence.
We do not know what patients experience pre-hospital- what led them to the serious assault for an example or rape/domestic violence…. who did it, why, how was is carried out, can they return home? Will they live….
Let alone while post operatively laying in a bed trying to recover from this certain traumatic incident physically and mentally- how will they live, where- homeless, increased poverty, inability to work., disability.
40% of the population are unemployed, only 5% of people pay taxes
The critical traumatic incident is usually experienced as:
· A breakdown of coherence, meaning, predictability, and understanding of how the world is
· An intense loss of control over environment and destiny
· An intense experience of powerlessness and helplessness
· An experience of extreme vulnerability and insecurity
These statements resonant with me when I see and treat these patients, or review them on the ward round- post GSW, stabbing or severe beatings…… its not just what one see’s
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