Emotional distress in EMS * Note signs of distress Pay particular attention to provocative message headers and topics, like “I’m done” or “It’s over.” Cries for help aren’t always frantic; often they sound more like dispassionate determination to take affirmative action. * Get involved You don’t need permission or protocols for this step. Initiate contact privately—even if the post was public—and indicate a willingness to talk. Show concern, but don’t be quick to claim understanding unless you have significant experience with a specific aspect of the sufferer’s complaint. * Let someone know Most of us don’t have the training to handle psychiatric emergencies alone. Explore local resources with your correspondent and consider highlighting the distress call to a forum moderator. * Follow up Check back with the subject a few days after your initial dialogue.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Oct 2013 09:16:12 +0000
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