Summary of Dealing with the Personal Impact of a Major Incident

Course summary

You have now completed the Dealing with the Personal Impact of a Major Incident course. The course has delivered information to promote the wellbeing of adult survivors, staff and their family and friends who have been involved in a disaster.

Course aims recap

• To increase awareness of how a major incident might impact on us.
• To explore common psychological reactions to a major incident.
• To provide information about how to deal with the impact from a personal perspective.
• To provide practical advice for staff who are dealing with the effects of a major incident, both personally and professionally.
• To give tips on how to support other people affected directly or indirectly.
• To provide information about post traumatic growth and how creativity can aid recovery.

'A major incident which is beyond the scope of business-as-usual operations, and is likely to involve serious harm, damage, disruption or risk to human life or welfare, essential services, the environment or national security.'

Broad definition of a disaster.

Consideration has been given to the instinctive survival responses we have as human beings that are automatically activated when experiencing a life threatening danger.

You are now aware that it is normal to experience a range of feelings as a result of exposure to an abnormal event including:

• Guilt.
• Shame.
• Isolation.
• Anger.
• Irritability.

It is not advisable for survivors to undergo formal debriefing from a professional, as this interferes with the individual’s abilities to come to terms with the distressing experiences.

Information and advice has been provided about how family, friends and colleagues can offer meaningful support by:

• Attentive listening.
• Connecting.
• Asking.
• Offering practical support.
• Feeling guilty for having survived when others have not is also a normal response.

Recognising that we still have choices and the ability to take control can be empowering for those affected by a disaster; so that when the time feels right, difficult feelings can be redirected helping individuals move on in the way that feels right for them.

Taking extra good care of yourself is an essential part of recovery and this can mean different things to different people. There is much you can do to help yourself, by giving yourself time, recognising there is no right or wrong way to grieve and by drawing from the relationships you have with those around you.

Staff

Staff involved in disaster responses are at increased risk of vicarious trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue because of the work they do. Good self-care and a balance between work and home with rewarding outlets sustain physical and mental wellbeing, equipping individuals with the means to continue in their work.

Anniversary effect

Predictably feelings will arise at the time of the anniversary of a major incident. Again this is part of natural coping responses following exposure to a disaster. It’s helpful to prepare in whatever way works for you. These feelings are generally short-term.

Additional supprt

Sources of additional information and support have also been provided for those who want to seek further help or widen their understanding and personal resources.

And finally, remember people do move on with their lives after having been subjected to extraordinary life changing trauma.

Lived experience

It is therefore worth considering the truly inspirational abilities of those individuals affected by these experiences and the readjustments they often have to make to rebuild their lives.

Martine Wright was severely injured in the 2005 London Tube bombing losing both her legs. She now describes herself as feeling she has ‘a duty’ to help those whose loved ones have died as a result of terrorist attacks. In her book ‘Unbroken’ her heartfelt words reach out to those affected in the most profound way. She writes ‘Life will get better. I know it’s so hard at the moment, but if you have the belief and you love and support each other, there will be a day when it gets better. I can’t say when it is but there will be a day.’