Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

1 Introduction to First Aid

Examples of psychologically distressing events include: • Mass casualty incidents • Serious injury or traumatic death • Injured and ill children Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may develop after a first aider has experienced a psychologically distressing event, such as those listed above. People suffering from PTSD may over-respond to stimuli around them and re-experience the negative emotions and effects of the initial event over and over. Some symptoms include depression, being easily startled, flashbacks to the original incident, and periods of mental disassociation. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of PTSD needs to address these issues and seek proper medical help. Speak to a doctor.

Warning Signs of Stress • Irritability towards others • Difficulty concentrating • Difficulty sleeping, nightmares • Oversleeping • Sadness, anxiety or guilt • Loss of appetite • Isolation. Withdrawal from contacts • Feelings of hopelessness • Loss of interest in work and recreation • Increased use of alcohol or drug use

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